Winter Beehive Network

Winter Conditions & Safety

Avalanche forecasts, road conditions, snowpack reports, and emergency contacts for Utah's mountains.

Avalanche Awareness

Check Before You Go

Always check daily forecasts before entering backcountry terrain. The Utah Avalanche Center publishes updated danger ratings every morning.

  • Check UAC forecast before every backcountry trip
  • Carry beacon, probe, and shovel — always
  • Travel one at a time through avalanche terrain
  • Take an avalanche safety course before going out
Utah Avalanche Center

Danger Scale

  • Low — Generally safe conditions
  • Moderate — Heightened conditions on steep slopes
  • Considerable — Dangerous conditions
  • High — Very dangerous, avoid backcountry
  • Extreme — Do not travel in avalanche terrain

Always check the current rating at utahavalanchecenter.org before heading out.

Road Conditions

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Access road to Brighton and Solitude. Closes during heavy snow loading events. Chain requirements enforced frequently in winter.

  • Check chain requirements before leaving
  • Canyon closes during high avalanche danger
  • Allow 30–60 extra minutes during storms

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Access road to Alta and Snowbird. Regularly closed for avalanche control work. Some of the strictest chain requirements in Utah.

  • Closures can happen with little warning
  • AWD or 4WD strongly recommended
  • Check UDOT 511 before every trip

Park City / SR-224

Main highway access to Park City Mountain and Deer Valley. Generally more reliable than canyon roads but still subject to winter delays.

  • I-80 to SR-224 is the most direct route
  • Watch for ice in early morning hours
  • Real-time updates available via UDOT

UDOT Road Conditions

Snowpack Reports

What is Snowpack?

Snowpack refers to the layers of snow that have accumulated over the season. It determines both water supply and avalanche risk. Strong snowpack years mean great skiing late into spring.

Season Outlook

The 2025–2026 season is tracking above the historical average across most of the Wasatch Range. Early snowfall in October set a strong base for the season.

Outlook data sourced from NRCS and NWS Salt Lake City.

Emergency Contacts

Search & Rescue

911

For life-threatening emergencies

Salt Lake County SAR

801-799-3000

Non-emergency backcountry assistance

Utah Avalanche Center

801-524-5304

Daily forecast hotline

UDOT Canyon Info

511

Road conditions & closures