Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Warmer weather is attracting skiers and snowboarders to Utah's resorts. But fun on the mountains comes with a warning: Mild temperatures mean an increased avalanche danger in parts of Utah's backcountry.
Monday morning, two natural avalanches occurred in the backcountry, outside of Brighton and Solitude ski areas. No one was injured. Avalanche forecasters say the slides were 10 to 12 inches deep and a couple of hundred feet wide.
More avalanches are possible today, so experts are urging people to avoid the backcountry.
The Utah Avalanche Center website's map shows the danger "high" in Logan, "considerable" in Salt Lake, Ogden, Provo, Manti, and the western Uintas, and "moderate" in Moab.
Little Cottonwood Canyon closed for avalanche control at 7 a.m. but reopened by 8:30.
An avalanche warning is in effect for the Logan area mountains and a special avalanche advisory has been issued for the Wasatch Mountains, from Ogden to Provo.
Brett Kobernik of the Utah Avalanche Center said, "Days like today, it's windy, it's nasty up there. It's best just to leave it alone for today and go back out after things stabilize."
Unstable conditions are present at the lower elevations of the backcountry as well.
Avalanche forecasters are also cautioning dog walkers and other people going into areas just outside the city, like Millcreek. They say the snow pack is loose and wet in small terrain features in those areas. Even a small avalanche there would be enough to bury someone.
They suggest checking for any advisories before heading out.
One skier said, "This is warmer than it has been. It's nice to be out, get some fresh air, exercise."
All the skiers we talked to today say they're not too concerned about avalanches because they plan to stay on the trails. That's what avalanche forecasters want to hear.
The warmer, wet weather also is expected to help clear the air in the valleys.
A yellow air alert is in effect Monday in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties. Conditions are "green" in Weber, Box Elder, Tooele and Cache counties.
------
Story compiled with information from Sandra Yi and Courtney Orton.
