Utah Avalanche Center warns of dangerous avalanche conditions as heat wave moves in

The Square Top area just outside the boundaries of the Canyons Village. Photo: TownLift.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Avalanche Center on Wednesday issued a Special Avalanche Advisory warning that a historic March heat wave is expected to rapidly increase avalanche danger across all mountain regions in Utah through the weekend.

The advisory runs from Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, as forecasters anticipate record-breaking warm temperatures will quickly destabilize the existing snowpack.

That warming trend is expected to increase the likelihood of “widespread, spontaneous, destructive wet avalanches,” according to the Utah Avalanche Center.

Unlike typical avalanche cycles, these conditions could produce avalanches on all aspects and at all elevations, including areas that usually remain colder this time of year.

Officials are urging caution for anyone traveling in the mountains. The Utah Avalanche Center “strongly advises avoiding all steep slopes and the areas below them, including avalanche runout zones.”

Recreationists heading into the backcountry are encouraged to check the latest avalanche forecasts and safety updates before traveling.

For current conditions and more information, visit the Utah Avalanche Center website.