Forecast - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Issued by Nikki Champion on
Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025

Today, MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all aspects at mid and upper elevations, where human-triggered avalanches in new or wind-drifted snow are possible in steep terrain. While new snow instabilities should settle throughout the day, the likelihood of triggering an avalanche within the new snow will be highest early this morning. At lower elevations, avalanche danger is LOW.

Carefully evaluate snow and terrain, as periods of additional snowfall, elevated winds, or even brief sunshine could increase instability.

Practice good travel techniques and limit exposure—only one person on steep terrain at a time.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

Learn how to read the forecast here

Special Announcements

Motorized Users—Please consider taking this 5-minute survey to help researchers better understand avalanche education participation and safety preparedness. Responses are anonymous and confidential.

Weather and Snow

Currently, skies are partly cloudy, with trace amounts to 1 inch of new snow since yesterday evening, bringing storm totals to between 6 and 22.5 inches. Trailhead temperatures are in the low teens °F, while the highest peaks are in the single digits °F. Winds at mid-elevation ridgelines have shifted more westerly, blowing in the single digits and gusting into the teens. At the highest ridgelines, winds are gusting near 30 MPH, with overnight gusts reaching up to the upper 50s MPH.

Today, skies will be mostly overcast with occasional snow showers. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20s and low 30s °F, with winds from the northwest at 5-10 MPH, gusting to 20 MPH at lower ridgelines. At the highest ridgelines, winds will blow 5-15 MPH, gusting to 25 MPH. Expect 0.5 to 3 inches of snow by 5 PM, with showers tapering off later tonight.

Recent Avalanches

Yesterday saw a widespread avalanche cycle across the Salt Lake area mountains, with at least 13 avalanches reported to the UAC so far—though the actual number is likely much higher. Slides ranged from 3 to 20 inches deep and up to 200 feet wide. Human-triggered avalanches were observed in Michigan City, Argenta, Silver Fork, Georges Bowl, and multiple locations in Days Fork, while natural avalanches occurred in Lanes Leap, Monitors, and Days Fork.

Most avalanches failed on a density change within the recent snow, with many occurring during peak precipitation intensity between 8 a.m. and noon. Ski patrol observed widespread sensitivity, with soft slabs up to 16 inches deep reacting to ski cuts and explosives.

Screenshot from the Collins weather station, you can see the period of heavy snowfall when the natural avalanche cycle occurred. From Greg Gagne's Observation yesterday

Avalanche cycle in Upper Little Cottonwood - Gagne

Check out all recent avalanches and observations HERE.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

With plenty of new snow available for transport and overnight gusts reaching up to the upper 50s mph, one can expect to find soft wind drifts in mid and upper elevation terrain, where human-triggered avalanches will be possible. Look for and avoid pillowy wind features, as well as steep slopes showing signs of wind loading, like cracking in the new snow.

These drifts will be on the downwind side of ridges and gullies, so stay back from sensitive new cornices along ridgelines. A cornice collapse could trigger a new or wind-drifted snow avalanche.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

As drier weather moves in, the new snow should begin to settle quickly. However, storm totals remain high, and temperatures are still low this morning. As a result, sluffing or soft slab avalanches involving the new snow remain possible on all steep slopes outside of wind-affected terrain.

Now that it's April, even brief sunshine can rapidly heat the snow, turning dry loose avalanches into wet loose slides. Lower-elevation and south-facing slopes, along with mountain roofs, will be most affected—signs like roller balls, dripping water, or sinking into soft snow mean it's time to move to higher, colder terrain.

General Announcements

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures