Avalanche danger still present as Utah snowpack begins to stabilize

SALT LAKE CITY — Although persistent weak layers of snowpack are “moving toward dormancy” in the Salt Lake region, avalanche danger is still present, according to Sunday’s Utah Avalanche Center forecast. 

According to Trent Meisenheimer, the forecaster who wrote UAC’s Salt Lake Region report, these weak layers are becoming more stable. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche in that area of Utah snowpack is still possible, however, it is slowly decreasing each day.  

Avalanche forecasters across the state have been warning backcountry users of avalanche danger all winter, amid a particularly complex snowpack. 

Meisenheimer advised probing the Utah snowpack before committing to recreation on avalanche terrain.

In his report, he specifically mentioned using caution on north-facing terrain aspects and any area that has rocky snowpack. 

His forecast rated all slope aspects and elevations as moderate. 

Meisenheimer listed the number one problem in the Salt Lake Region on March 2 as wet snow. 

“Today will be a transition day,” Meisenheimer wrote. “Sunny skies in the morning with warming temperatures might be enough to warm the snow. However, wind and increasing clouds could keep wet activity to a minimum.”

The most recently displayed avalanche reports on UAC’s page revealed there have been fewer human-triggered avalanches. However, they also show that avalanche activity is still very possible in Utah snowpack, as several naturally occurring ones are noted. 

Warning signs in Utah snowpack

Meisenheimer warned readers of UAC’s forecast to look for rollerballs. 

Rollerballs are clumps of snow that roll down the hill. Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center explained they signify that snow is wet and that loose snow avalanches are likely. 

A March 1 UAC observation noted rollerballs on Bighorn Peak.

If you see rollerballs, Meisenheimer recommended moving to cooler or less steep terrain. 

Per Avalanche.org, avalanche danger is most prevalent on and below any slope steeper than 30 degrees. Similarly, slopes greater than 45 degrees steep are less likely to slide. 

Wet snow and avalanche danger

Colorado Avalanche Center explained that wet snow is weaker than drier snow. Wet slab avalanches happen when strength decreases, causing snow layers to fail and slide. 

They are often associated with spring, since warmer temperatures lead to melting. As temperatures warm, avalanche professionals recommend traveling earlier in the day, before the warmest part of the day. 

Glide avalanches 

In the Salt Lake forecast, Meisenheimer also warned of glide avalanches, particularly in the following areas: 

• Broads Fork 
• Mill B South
• Stairs Gulch

Glide avalanches don’t require wet snow. Avalanche.org explained that they happen on smooth slopes. 

If you venture into the backcountry, watch for cracks that are visible across slopes. 

Persistent weak layer still present across Utah 

Although persistent weak layer is still an issue, some Sunday forecasts ranked it as the second avalanche problem. Other areas such as the Uinta, Moab, and Skyline region forecasts, maintained it as the first problem. 

Just last week, KSL NewsRadio reported that persistent weak layer was ranked as the number one avalanche problem across the state. 

Regardless of their number one-ranked problems, avalanche forecasts across Utah’s regions sat at moderate on Sunday. 

Moderate danger is the second lowest of five ratings. Although the likelihood of triggering a slide is not as high as on other days, avalanche danger is still present.

Before entering any backcountry terrain, professionals urge recreators to ensure they have the proper training and equipment, and that they don’t go alone. 

Check Utah Avalanche Center’s website or app for the latest avalanche danger forecasts and reports. 

Keep reading for more information on past avalanche danger:

• Avalanche danger moderate across Utah amid warm temperatures
• Utah avalanche conditions remain dangerous as professionals urge avoiding backcountry