Salt Lake City, Utah – An Avalanche Watch is in effect statewide as heavy snow and strong winds are expected to increase avalanche danger.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City and the Utah Avalanche Center, the watch remains in effect from 6 a.m. Monday through 6 a.m. Tuesday. Dangerous avalanche conditions may develop within 24 to 48 hours as a powerful winter storm system moves across the region.
The watch covers the mountains of Northern, Central, and Southwestern Utah, including the Wasatch Range, Bear River Range, Western Uinta Mountains, Wasatch Plateau, and Tushar Mountains.
Forecasters say heavy snowfall combined with strong winds could rapidly increase avalanche danger through the week. Backcountry travelers are urged to avoid avalanche terrain, particularly slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and to stay off and out from under steep terrain during the watch period.
The watch does not apply to developed ski areas where avalanche hazard reduction measures are actively performed.
Officials advise checking utahavalanchecenter.org or calling 1-888-999-4019 for detailed and updated information before traveling into the backcountry. The alert may be especially relevant for students and young outdoor enthusiasts planning winter recreation early this week.
Further updates will be issued as conditions evolve.
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