Utah avalanche danger: Considerable in Salt Lake region, avalanche warning issued for Logan

SALT LAKE CITY— Utah avalanche danger was rated as considerable in the Salt Lake area, per a forecast published by Utah Avalanche Center. Farther north, a warning was issued for the Logan region.

Per UAC, the rating means it is likely that backcountry recreators will trigger avalanches, even on the lowest slopes that are more than 30° steep. The center recommended avoiding those slopes and opting for those less than 30° steep. 

“Look for and avoid pillowy, rounded piles of snow. Shooting cracks, cornices, and collapsing are all signs of wind-drifted snow and these are areas to avoid,” wrote Forecaster Dave Kelly in Sunday’s report. 

Across the Salt Lake region, the main problem was listed as wind-drifted snow. Strong winds picked up snow, carrying it into downwind areas.

Avalanche.org, which is run by the National Avalanche Center and American Avalanche Association, said wind slabs are formed as the wind picks up snow, carries and deposits it. As snow continues to pile up and form slabs, sometimes referred to as drifts, it puts more weight onto the layers below, increasing the likelihood of a slide. 

“These drifts will not bond well to the old snow surface,” wrote Kelly. 

Adding to the Salt Lake area’s current danger rating, UAC listed the second avalanche problem number as persistent weak layers. 

Sunday’s forecast said there are currently two weak layers within the snowpack. The upper layer formed last week when the area experienced cold, yet clear weather. 

The lower weak layer formed in Dec., leading to two avalanches resulting in fatalities. 

Avalanche cycle expected in Park City

Following the publication of Sunday’s avalanche forecast, UAC sent a text message to subscribers warning of an avalanche cycle along the Park City ridgeline. 

In a message sent to text message subscribers, UAC warned of an avalanche cycle on the Park City ridgeline. According to the center’s website, Park City’s avalanche terrain is included in the Salt Lake region. 

“Keep an eye out for and avoid stiff slabs in the wind zone which could be lower in elevation than you planned for,” read the message. 

Avalanche.org defined an avalanche cycle as “A series of natural avalanches that occur across a region over a relatively short time span.” 

They are often caused by “significant” changes in weather, such as high winds, rapid warming, or fresh precipitation. 

Utah Avalanche danger: Warning issued for Logan area

A warning posted to the Utah Avalanche Center’s website explained that avalanche danger is high on all aspects and elevations in the Logan area. The warning region extends into Southeastern Idaho and includes parts of the Wasatch Mountains and the Bear River Mountains. 

It is in effect until Feb. 3 at 6 a.m., per UAC. However, the extremely dangerous are expected to last into the first part of the week. 

“Heavy snow, drifting by strong winds, rising temperatures, and rain have created very dangerous avalanche conditions at all elevations in the backcountry,” read the avalanche warning. 

Furthermore, it urged all backcountry users to avoid traveling on and below all slopes greater than 30° steep. 

“You’ll find safer riding conditions on slopes less than 30 degrees,” wrote Paige Pagnucco, the forecaster who composed the report. 

Similar to Salt Lake’s forecast, Logan’s main avalanche problem was wind-drifted snow. However, the second avalanche problem for the Logan area is new snow. 

Previously, the center’s forecasters found weak snow in the area. As new snow continues to fall in the Logan area, it places more strain on the existing layer. 

In other areas, Utah avalanche danger was also rated as considerable. UAC advised avoiding slopes steeper than 30° while conditions last.

Check the forecast relevant to your area for the latest updates on Utah avalanche danger. 

UAC asks anyone who triggers or witnesses avalanche activity to report it. 

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