Archived Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains
Issued by Greg Gagne for Friday, January 8, 2021

There is a CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE DANGER on steep slopes at the mid and upper elevations facing west, through north, and east where recent storm snow and winds have created a dense slab of snow on top of a buried persistent weak layer. Avalanches may be 2-3' deep and over 200' wide. These are dangerous avalanche conditions - avoid being on, underneath, or adjacent to steep slopes on these aspects and elevations. A Moderate danger exists for triggering a lingering wind drift at the upper elevations.

Keep in mind:
- If you are leaving the ski area through an exit gate, you are entering the backcountry and likely stepping into a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger.
- Previous tracks are zero indication of stability.
- If you are skiing or riding alone, you have no margin of safety with no one to perform a rescue.

There have been several close calls/near misses this past week and I am fearful our luck has run out. Fortunately, excellent riding conditions exist on low-angled slopes other than due south.

Weather and Snow

Skies are partly cloudy this morning, with temperatures ranging through the teens. Winds are westerly and light - less than 10 mph - with gusts in the teens along mid and upper elevation ridgelines.

For today you can expect increasing clouds and continued light winds from the west. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20's and lower 30's.
A weak storm should deliver a few inches of snow overnight and into the early hours of Saturday morning. High pressure moves in for the upcoming week.

Recent Avalanches

Two human, remotely-triggered avalanches were reported Thursday:

Martha's Bowl (backcountry between Brighton and Alta) - NW aspect at 10,000'. Estimated 3.5' deep and 300' wide. Debris was 4-5' deep in places along their skin track.

Scott's Bowl (Park City Ridgeline) - NE aspect at 9900'. 2' deep and 150' wide.

Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer

Likelihood: Likely
Size: Medium

Description

Recent avalanches are the greatest indication of avalanche danger. More than 20 human-triggered avalanches failing in the buried persistent weak layer (PWL) have been reported to the UAC since January 1. Many avalanches have been triggered remotely, over 3' deep and over 150' wide. (Thursday's Martha's Bowl slide was reported at 300' wide.) Recent storm snow and moderate to strong winds have built a dense slab on top of this PWL creating dangerous avalanche conditions. You simply need to avoid steep terrain facing west, through north, and east at the mid and upper elevations.