Weekend storms bring increase to Utah avalanche danger

Weekend storms bring increase to Utah avalanche danger


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SALT LAKE CITY – With fresh powder hitting the slopes this weekend, experts want to ensure Utahns are up-to-date on avalanche conditions to avoid tragedy. Utah's mountains and the Wasatch back are expected to see snow overnight Thursday into Friday and Saturday, according to Kristin Van Dyke, KSL meteorologist. "This is a warm and wet storm, so expect heavy mountain snow totals by the time things wrap up," Van Dyke said. The Juab County Sheriff's Office said avalanche danger is expected to rise overnight Thursday for mountains in northern and central Utah, including the Wasatch Range, Bear River Range, the Uinta Mountains and the Manti-Skyline Plateau. The sheriff's office advised "very dangerous" avalanche conditions to last throughout the weekend. "Expected heavy snowfall and strong winds will lead to widespread and very dangerous avalanche conditions," the sheriff's office said. "Both human triggered and natural avalanches are likely. Stay off and out from under slopes steeper than 30 degrees." As of Thursday afternoon, the Utah Avalanche Center showed considerable avalanche danger in Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake and Provo.

Feb 13, 2025 - We’e issued an Avalanche Watch for the mountains of northern and central Utah. The avalanche danger may reach CONSIDERABLE this afternoon and HIGH overnight into Friday. Expected heavy snowfall and strong winds will lead to very dangerous avalanche conditions. pic.twitter.com/5zNCIksf4o — UtahAvalancheCenter (@UACwasatch) February 13, 2025

The Utah Department of Transportation Avalanche account on X posted a backcountry closure in Little Cottonwood Canyon that will go into effect on Friday, Feb. 14.

Backcountry Closure, LCC Mid Canyon Northside. Closed 08:30 2/14/25 to 6:00pm 2/14/25. Please stay out of closure areas! Thanks! pic.twitter.com/C7MW6gyPoY — UDOT Avalanche (@UDOTavy) February 13, 2025

This warning comes less than a week after a skier was killed in an avalanche in the Silver Fork area of Big Cottonwood Canyon Saturday.

Related: Forecasters warn about conditions following deadly weekend, large Monday avalanche

If you're planning to enjoy the snow, officials plead you consult the Utah Avalanche Center or call 1-888-999-4019 for more detailed information before you go.

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