Avalanche & backcountry
Most avalanche accidents involve backcountry travelers. Gear, training, and the daily forecast change the odds.
If anyone in your household skis, snowboards, snowmobiles, snowshoes, or hikes in Utah's mountains in winter, avalanche safety belongs in your plan. For everyone else, it mostly means road closures in the canyons and checking conditions before you drive.
Why it matters in Utah
- Utah averages slightly more than 3 avalanche fatalities each winter, with many more close calls. Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
- Avalanche victims are primarily backcountry recreationists. In about 90% of avalanche incidents, the victim or someone in their party triggers the slide. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab)
- About 90% of avalanches start on slopes of 30 to 45 degrees. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab)
Who's most affected
- Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, climbers, and hikers. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab)
- People who leave resort boundaries into closed or uncontrolled terrain.
- Canyon commuters during storm cycles (road closures and interlodge orders).
What to do
1 Before
- Get the gear: avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe for every person, and know how to use them. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab)
- Get the training: take an avalanche course and practice rescue often. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab) Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
- Get the forecast from the Utah Avalanche Center every day you go. Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
- Tell someone your plan and expected return; carry a way to call for help. Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
- Watch Know Before You Go, a free introduction. Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
2 During
- Watch for red flags: recent avalanches, cracking, collapsing, and heavy new snow or wind loading. Be Ready Utah (opens source in a new tab)
- Expose one person at a time and regroup in safe spots.
- If someone is buried, be ready to do your own rescue; help may be far away. Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
3 After
- Share your observations with the Utah Avalanche Center; they help everyone. Utah Avalanche Center (opens source in a new tab)
- Debrief your day as a group.