Utah is known for its incredible skiing due to the large amounts of snow it receives yearly and the extensive terrain available, primarily in the Wasatch Range. There are many resorts for skiers to enjoy but many turn to the backcountry due to the vast amount of options when it comes to terrain. However, there are dangers associated with the backcountry, and knowledge and safety equipment is required to enter safely. Last Sunday, January 12, 2025, I decided to experience the snow in Grizzly Gulch, a prominent backcountry area in the Wasatch Range.
Little Cottonwood Canyon, the canyon hosting Alta, Snowbird, and world-class backcountry terrain, received over 18 inches of snow, primarily between Saturday and Sunday of last week. This provided excellent powder skiing in the area for resort go-ers and backcountry enthusiasts. However, the large amount of snow creates a less-than-ideal safety situation for backcountry skiers due to the lack of extensive snow and warm temperatures in the early season. These early season conditions created a weak persistent layer, significantly increasing the possibility of slides on slopes over 30 degrees, especially with the large amount of snow received in the past week. The increased avalanche danger requires very careful designations of routes, both for the transition up and the descent.
With proper route choices and terrain judgment, excellent conditions can be enjoyed, with this past weekend as an example of these conditions. With enough new snow to make any skier happy, these conditions also provided refreshment to the previously slow snow season Utah has experienced in the past few months.
Although terrain under 30 degrees steepness is considerably less dangerous than steeper terrain, it still has its dangers that must be properly taken into account and mitigated with proper safety knowledge and gear. The backcountry is very dangerous and has caused many fatalities over the years, including two this season in Utah. One must be incredibly vigilant to keep themselves and others safe from avalanches and other dangers. To stay up to date with current forecasts and other avalanche safety resources check out Utah Avalanche Center.
