Patterns show Utah at high risk for fatal avalanches this week

SALT LAKE CITY—Multiple organizations are warning against avalanche danger around the state for the next few days. The Utah Avalanche Center has issued a backcountry avalanche warning through 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Heavy dense snowfall and strong winds create dangerous conditions for man-made and natural avalanches. People are advised to avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Salt Lake County Emergency Management also advised that recent snowfall made slopes facing west, north, and east more dangerous.

 

Avalanche danger is HIGH on mid & upper elevation aspects facing west – north & east, where strong winds & recent snowfall have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Both natural human-triggered avalanches are likely. Traveling in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. pic.twitter.com/UW4DoN0QdG

— Salt Lake County Emergency Management (@SLCoEmerMngt) December 28, 2021

Mark Staples, a director for the Utah Avalanche Center said our weather has followed a pattern he’s seen many times…in his reports on fatal avalanches.

Most often dangerous avalanches occur when there is preliminary snow, then a dry spell, then heavy snow. With recent snowfall, places around the state fit this exact chart pattern.

“What worries me is that all the ingredients and patterns are in place for a serious accident. Stormy weather and the holidays have kept many people at home; however, that will change,” Staples said. “At some point soon, we will have a day with beautiful sunny skies and plentiful powder, and I worry there could be an accident when that day comes. The snowpack can hide its deadly nature under a cloak of beautiful sparkling powder.”

Blake said the good news is, if people can be patient and wait for conditions to improve, they generally will. For now, he advises to avoid avalanche terrain and avoiding slopes that have weak faceted snow near the ground.