Dangerous avalanche conditions reported across Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Avalanche Center says snowfall from recent storms and strong winds have led to prime accident conditions across the state’s mountains.

“This new snow will avalanche easily, particularly on northerly aspects,” forecasters said. “While the danger may be more pronounced in the central and southern part of the state, skiers in the Wasatch Range on Tuesday experienced a couple close of calls in steep terrain.”

Anyone heading into the backcountry should check the avalanche forecast at utahavalanchecenter.org and:

• Recognize and avoid avalanche terrain, particularly recently wind drifted slopes
• Ensure everyone in your party has operational avalanche rescue gear and knows how to use it
• Cross steep slopes one person at a time, while the rest of your party watches from a safe place

Wow! Brian Head about 3 feet of snow in the last two days! pic.twitter.com/L4EMiLt5oI

— Grant Weyman (@KSLweyman) February 23, 2022

Some parts of Utah have seen as much as 3′ of new snow fall over the last 48 hours. Winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings are in effect for central and southern Utah through 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Avalanche danger was rated from moderate to considerable across northern and central Utah Wednesday morning.