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Logan Today
By the People, for the People
Utah Avalanche Center Issues Statewide Special Advisory Amid Heatwave
Extreme temperatures destabilize snowpack, raising risk of widespread, destructive wet avalanches
Mar. 20, 2026 at 10:36pm
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The Utah Avalanche Center has issued a statewide Special Avalanche Advisory for Utah and southeastern Idaho due to a record-breaking heatwave that is rapidly destabilizing the snowpack. Temperatures reaching near 80°F in the valleys and 60s°F at mountain tops are causing massive amounts of meltwater to flow through the snow layers, leading to widespread, spontaneous, and potentially destructive wet avalanches.
Why it matters
This unprecedented heatwave is impacting the snowpack in dangerous and unpredictable ways, creating a heightened risk of avalanches that could reach far into valley floors and terrain traps. The advisory covers all mountain regions in Utah, including popular recreation areas around Salt Lake City and Logan.
The details
The Utah Avalanche Center has upgraded the avalanche danger to CONSIDERABLE in many regions, meaning human-triggered avalanches are likely. The intense heat is beginning to impact buried persistent weak layers from mid-January, and if meltwater reaches these deep facets, it could trigger massive "deep slab" avalanches and possibly even glide avalanches that are unsurvivable.
- The advisory is in effect from Thursday, March 19 through 6:00 AM Monday, March 23.
- Valley temperatures are pushing near 80°F, while mountain-top readings are soaring into the 60s°F.
The players
Utah Avalanche Center
The organization responsible for issuing avalanche forecasts and advisories for Utah and southeastern Idaho.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
