Greg Gagne
Forecaster
Our Week in Review highlights significant snowfall, weather, and avalanche events of the previous week. (Review the archived forecasts for the Salt Lake mountains.)
The danger roses for the Salt Lake mountains from Friday, February 5 through Thursday, February 11:
Summary: About all that needs to be said to summarize this past week: a very saddening avalanche accident on Saturday, February 6 with four avalanche fatalities on Wilson Glades in Millcreek Canyon. In all, over 30 backcountry avalanches are reported to the UAC since Friday, February 5.
Friday, February 5: Strong westerly winds and dense snow and graupel. Gusts at 11,000' exceed 100 mph. By Saturday morning, snow totals are 10-15" containing 0.75"-1.0" water in the Cottonwoods and along the Park City ridgeline. Several natural avalanches later during the day and overnight are reported.
Saturday, February 6: A very significant avalanche accident in Wilson Glades in Millcreek Canyon involving two parties with 7 caught and 4 fatalities. This occurred on a northeast slope at 9,600'. The preliminary report from the UAC is currently available, and a full report will be available soon.
Sunday, February 7: Clear skies and continued gusty winds from the west, especially at the upper-most elevations. Drifting from the westerly winds load several slopes, with the most noticeable natural avalanche occurring in West Monitor Bowl along the Park City ridgeline. This slope - and adjacent slopes along the Park City Ridgline - have avalanched repeatedly this season.
Monday, February 8: Continued gusty winds from the west, with additional slides reported from the backcountry:
- Upper Dry Creek - Steep NE aspect at ~10,000'. Possibly triggered from a snowmachine down lower on the slope.
- Barushka Bowl in American Fork - A steep (39°) NE aspect that avalanched naturally, likely from a cornice drop.
Tuesday, February 9: Cloudy skies with light snowfall totaling 3" by the end of the day. No backcountry avalanches reported.
Wednesday, February 10: Clearing skies with light to moderate winds from the west. No backcountry avalanches reported.
Thursday, February 11: Light snowfall with 1-3". Warm temperatures ahead of a period with several storms forecasted. No backcountry avalanches are reported.