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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Nikki Champion
Issued by Nikki Champion on
Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024
The avalanche danger is LOW, meaning avalanches are unlikely but not impossible today. Recent snowfall and strong winds may have formed small wind slabs near ridgelines, which could fail on buried facets in wind-loaded terrain. Pay extra attention to areas that have received more wind or snow.
Be sure to carefully assess snow and terrain in wind-loaded areas, and avoid thin snowpack zones where buried obstacles may be just below the surface.
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Special Announcements
For those in the Central Wasatch, don't forget about the Dawn Patrol Hotline! Updated daily by 5:00–5:30 AM, you can get the latest information by calling 888-999-4019, option 6.
Weather and Snow
This morning, under overcast skies, mountain temperatures have dropped significantly. Trailhead temperatures are in the low teens, while ridgetop temperatures are in the single digits, near zero. As of 5 AM, precipitation totals range from 3 inches to trace amounts of snowfall, including a dusting in the valley. Winds at 9,000-foot ridgelines are blowing from the west at 20 mph, gusting up to 30 mph. At 11,000-foot ridgelines, winds are from the northwest, sustained in the mid-30s mph, with overnight gusts reaching the mid-50s mph.
Today, high pressure will build back over the area and remain in place through Thursday morning. Expect sunny skies and temperatures in the low 20s. Winds at 9,000-foot ridgelines will be from the northwest at 10 mph, gusting to 15 mph, and from the northwest at 45 mph, gusting to 50 mph, at 11,000-foot ridgelines.
A weak Pacific storm will bring light precipitation to northern Utah late Thursday into Friday, favoring the northern-mountains with 4-7 inches of snow and minimal accumulation in lower valleys. Snow levels will drop overnight as colder air moves in, but totals remain modest. A short break in weather is expected before the next system, though its track and impacts are still uncertain, with possible snow for northern-mountains by Sunday. Beyond that, a high-pressure ridge is likely to return, bringing drier and warmer conditions into next week.
Recent Avalanches
Yesterday, a skier-triggered soft slab avalanche was observed in Scott’s Bowl on the Park City ridgeline. The slide, approximately 15 feet wide and 150 feet long, occurred on a wind-loaded northeast aspect at 9,700 feet, failing on a faceted weak layer. Overnight wind loading had covered previous skin tracks, but ski tracks were visible above the slide path.
Check out all recent observations HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The persistent weak layer (PWL) on north-facing slopes is losing strength every day and will struggle to support additional weight from new snow or wind loading. Even small amounts of snow or wind, like we saw over the past two days, can form sensitive slabs in exposed areas.
Take note of which slopes, aspects, and elevations are holding snow now to identify areas to avoid during the next storm.
Large, striated surface hoar was observed along the BST, similar to what we're seeing on much of the snow surface across the Wasatch.
Weak snow, including surface hoar, is also forming at the surface. The key question is whether warmer temperatures and wind will destroy this instability before the next snowfall. Learn more about surface hoar.
Additional Information
While you're waiting for more snow, dive deeper into avalanche philosophy with Drew Hardesty HERE and HERE.
General Announcements
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.
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