Avalanche warning issued for northern Utah mountains after deadly week

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SALT LAKE CITY — A new avalanche warning is now in effect for Utah's backcountry following a deadly stretch of avalanches in the mountains.

The Utah Avalanche Center says the warning runs from 6 a.m. Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday, citing dangerous conditions in areas that have already seen multiple avalanches in recent days.

A new avalanche warning issued by the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City on Wednesday. It follows a stretch of deadly avalanches in recent days. (Photo: National Weather Service)

Three people were killed in avalanches across the region over the past week, prompting increased mitigation efforts from state crews and ski resorts.

In Little and Big Cottonwood canyons, the Utah Department of Transportation is enforcing traction laws and conducting temporary road holds as conditions warrant. If there is concern about a potential slide, officials say they will close the canyon roads to perform avalanche control work before reopening them to the public.

"So if there's a concern with a slide coming down, we won't hesitate to close down the canyon road and do that avalanche control work to make sure that everyone's safe," said John Gleason, UDOT spokesman.

At resorts like Alta and Snowbird, teams are also working to reduce risk by using remote avalanche control systems, including Wyssen towers, to trigger controlled slides before terrain opens. Guests may experience delays or temporary closures as crews complete mitigation work.

Officials urge anyone heading into the backcountry to check the latest avalanche conditions and carry proper safety equipment. The warning remains in effect through 6 a.m. Thursday.

Correction: A previous version said the National Weather Service issued the warning. It was the Utah Avalanche Center.

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Tyrese Boone

Tyrese Boone is a Morning Reporter at KSL-TV. Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in Digital & Print Journalism. He began his career as a crime and courts reporter at The Victoria Advocate newspaper before transitioning to television news as a Weekend News Anchor and Multimedia Journalist at KRIS 6 News in Corpus Christi. Tyrese’s background also includes internships with TMZ, the Indoor Football League, and Stack Sports. He is passionate about community‑focused storytelling.