New snow creates serious avalanche danger in the Wasatch
Jan 4, 2025, 2:03 PM | Updated: 4:25 pm
The Utah Avalanche Center is urging those heading into the backcountry to use caution. (KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — As snow totals have been rising, experts say extra precautions are needed on the ski hill as serious avalanche danger is present.
Andria Huskinson, the Communications and Public Relations Manager at Solitude says anyone skiing should let others know what areas they plan to be in.
“Be with a partner, try not to ski alone, and just don’t duck any ropes, and stay in the open areas,” Huskinson said. “And, just be aware of your surroundings and what’s around you.”
Huskinson said on heavy snow days, the ski patrol is busy working to make sure people are safe on the mountain. For anyone looking to come up, make sure you have good tires and are enrolled in the UDOT sticker program.
The increase in snow totals this weekend has also caused an increase in avalanche danger.
On Saturday afternoon, UDOT announced that State Route 210 was closed due to avalanche migration as slides were hitting the roads. UDOT reopened the road at 4:25 p.m. and is warning drivers to expect delays.
🚧 Road Closure Update 🚧
👋 SR-210 CLOSED: @UDOTAvy avalanche mitigation & road operations continues.Slides have hit the road, crews clearing where they can.
No ETO – will update when known pic.twitter.com/Fd6zyEjtSz
— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) January 4, 2025
Between Friday and Saturday over two feet of snow accumulated in parts of the Wasatch backcountry, right on top of weak powdery snow from the early season. Craig Gordon with the Utah Avalanche Center said these are the kind of conditions that lead to dangerous avalanches.
“This has been a remarkable storm,” Gordon said.
The storm comes just days after the Wasatch Mountains saw two deadly avalanches in quick succession, casting a shadow on what otherwise might be an exciting time for winter sports lovers.
“I know that we’re all stoked for all the new snow. Mother nature’s not feeling our same emotions… Remember, there’s plenty of safe powder days yet to come this season,” Gordon said.
Gordon said any who are looking to get into the backcountry should check the Utah Avalanche Center website for area-specific information and to carry avalanche rescue equipment — having a beacon, shovel and probe can mean life or death in the event of an avalanche burial. It’s also important you know how to use all of that equipment.
“Right now, any avalanche that we trigger has the potential to break deep and wide,” Gordon said. “What we’re encouraging people to do is simply stay off and out from under steep, wind-drifted slopes… Avalanches right now are potentially unsurvivable.”
Contributing: Jacob Freeman, KSL TV
