Winter storms elevate avalanche danger in Utah’s backcountry

Live weather updates:

 

SALT LAKE CITY — Avalanche danger is increasing and the current storm has all the ingredients to take Utah to a high level of danger.

Utah Avalanche Center Forecaster Nikki Champion said a perfect storm of snow, water weight and wind combine for avalanches. 

What’s concerning according to Champion, this storm has the likelihood of loose snow, slab powder snow and wet snow.

“We’re getting a lot of snow. With that snow, we’re getting a lot of water weight and we’re getting a lot of wind. When we get all of those things, we tend to get a lot of avalanches as well,” said Champion.

Snow totals are expected to be 32-42 inches in the back country before this state-wide storm starts to move out on Thursday. 

Champion said backcountry travel danger will definitely be on the rise over the next few days and the entire state is likely to see at least elevated levels of avalanche danger.

Related reading:

• More schools announce delays, cancelations
• Utah Avalanche Awareness Week is underway
• Avalanche mitigation efforts helping Utah mountains stay safe