UPDATE: UAC issues avalanche warning amid rising danger levels

Avalanche Photo: Utah Avalanche Center

The Utah Avalanche Center upgraded the avalanche watch to an avalanche warning this morning.

UPDATE on Jan. 10: The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) has issued an Avalanche Warning effective from 6 a.m. MST Wednesday to 6 a.m. MST Thursday. Avalanche danger is HIGH, and the warning is for the mountains of northern and central Utah and southeast Idaho, which includes the Wasatch Range, Bear River Range, Uinta Mountains and Manti-Skyline plateau, and the mountains of southwestern Utah. Avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at elevations below 8,000 feet. The UAC warns skiers to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

As the potential for snow squalls is high, for those looking to drive during this time, don’t forget to check out our Webcams dashboard.

Original Report

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The Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) has issued an Avalanche Watch effective from 6 a.m. MST Tuesday to 6 a.m. MST Friday. The Watch is set for Northern and Central Utah, Southeast Idaho, including the Wasatch Range, Bear River Range, Uinta Mountains, and Manti-Skyline Plateau. Avalanche danger is expected to reach HIGH, with strong winds and heavy snowfall. Both human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely, and the UAC warns skiers to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

The UAC shared in a post, “We are on the cusp of a long and sustained period of snow and strong wind. These will be very real and very dangerous avalanche conditions.”

With this week’s storms in mind, it’s imperative to stay in the know regarding avalanche safety.

State of the Snowpack: Jan. 11

The UAC is hosting what’s sure to be an enlightening evening with forecaster Craig Gordon at the Kimball Junction library on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. This free event, titled “State of the Snowpack,” offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the current conditions of the snowpack in Park City. Gordon will address several pressing questions and topics of interest, such as the status of the mid-pack Persistent Weak Layer (PWL), the impacts of December’s dry spell and current storm, and the factors influencing future stability trends in the snowpack. This event offers a chance for winter sports enthusiasts, locals and visitors to enhance their understanding of snowpack conditions and avalanche safety.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Summit County Library, Kimball Junction Branch: 1885 W Ute Blvd, Park City, UT 84098
Admission: Free