Utah Avalanche Center warns of life-threatening conditions after 4–6 foot deep slides

On Sunday afternoon, a party on the ridgeline above Two Dogs in Days Fork unintentionally released a cornice onto the slope below which triggered an avalanche that initially failed above the Christmas rain crust (CERC) layer, but stepped down to facets and depth hoar at the ground. The slide was on a northeast-facing slope at 10,100 feet and was 4.5 feet deep, 250 feet wide, and ran 700 feet, snapping trees along the way. Photo: UAC

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Avalanche Center issued a warning Monday for dangerous avalanche conditions across northern Utah and southeastern Idaho mountains, where heavy snowfall and strong winds have elevated the avalanche danger to considerable or high levels.

Large avalanches measuring 4 to 6 feet deep, capable of snapping trees, have already occurred in the region, according to the center. On Friday, two backcountry riders were critically buried in an avalanche in the Brighton backcountry.

Forecasters expect more human-triggered avalanches and say natural avalanches are possible.

The warning applies to the Wasatch Range, Bear River Range, and western Uinta Mountains.

“Avalanches are likely to be triggered by anyone traveling on or below slopes steeper than 30 degrees,” the center stated. Avalanches may be triggered remotely from a distance or from below.

The center emphasized that skiers and snowboarders stepping out of bounds at ski resorts face the same dangerous avalanche conditions.

Officials recommend backcountry travelers carry and know how to use avalanche rescue equipment, including a beacon, shovel, and probe. The center advises avoiding steep west-facing, north-facing, and east-facing terrain at mid and upper elevations.

Backcountry users should always travel with a partner and inform others of their plans, according to the center.

Current forecasts are available at utahavalanchecenter.org.