Cold Weather Safety

Winter turns Utah’s parks and backcountry into incredible landscapes for adventure, but cold weather introduces unique hazards. Whether you are walking on ice, paddling early in the season, hiking snowy trails, or riding in the mountains, proper preparation is essential.

Ice Safety

Ice is never 100% safe. Thickness and strength vary drastically within a few feet and throughout the day—especially when temperatures rise above freezing.

  • Check Conditions: Always verify current park reports before stepping out. Clear blue ice is strongest; cloudy or slushy ice is significantly weaker.
  • Know the Thickness Rules: Walk out only on a minimum of 4 inches of clear, solid ice. Snowmobiles and ATVs require at least 6 inches. Avoid late-season ice (March–April) entirely.
  • Motor Vehicle Access: Cars, trucks, and vans are never permitted on lake ice. Snowmobiles and motorized snow vehicles may only enter from designated boat ramps.
  • Pack Self-Rescue Gear: Carry ice awls (picks) around your neck to pull yourself up if you fall through, and wear a life jacket. Never venture onto partially frozen water or near river mouths.
  • Rescuing Others: Remember Reach, Throw, Row, Don't Go. Never walk out to someone who fell through—extend a pole, branch, or rescue rope from a safe distance.

    Cold Water Safety

    Accidental immersion in cold water triggers an immediate physical shock that can incapacitate even strong swimmers in seconds. Always wear a life jacket, which keeps your airway above water during initial panic.

    The 1:10:1 Cold Water Principle:

    • 1 Minute (Cold Shock): Uncontrolled gasping and hyperventilation. Keep your head above water and focus entirely on stabilizing your breathing.
    • 10 Minutes (Cold Incapacitation): You lose fine motor skills and muscle control in your limbs. Use this window to self-rescue, reboard your craft, or call for help.
    • 1 Hour (Hypothermia): Your core temperature drops toward unconsciousness. A life jacket provides critical insulation and keeps you floating even if you lose consciousness.

    Tip: Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Wear quick-drying synthetic or neoprene layers instead of cotton.

    Winter Hiking Tips

    Winter hiking requires deliberate planning. Snow increases physical effort, and daylight drops quickly behind the mountains.

    • Pick Familiar Trails: Snowy conditions mask landmarks. Start on shorter trails you have hiked in summer, and budget twice as much time as usual.
    • Dress in Three Layers: Wear a synthetic base layer to wick sweat, an insulating fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Avoid cotton.
    • Protect Your Hands, Feet, and Head: Wear insulated waterproof boots paired with thermal socks. Use microspikes or crampons for icy trails, and pack a breathable hat and gloves.
    • Protect Your Batteries & Electronics: Cold weather drains phone and GPS batteries rapidly. Carry devices in an inside pocket close to body heat, and pack a physical map and compass as backups.
    • Pack Extra Fuel & Hydration: Exercising in the cold burns more calories. Bring high-protein snacks and store water in insulated bottles so it doesn't freeze.
    • Know the Signs of Hypothermia & Frostbite: Watch for violent shivering, slurred speech, or fumbling hands (hypothermia), as well as waxy or numb skin (frostbite). Seek shelter and warmth immediately.

    Avalanche Basics

    Snow stability changes rapidly with wind, temperature, and fresh snowfall. Review these core rules before entering the backcountry:

    • Check the Forecast: Always check regional advisories (like the Utah Avalanche Center) before heading into slope-driven terrain.
    • Carry the "Big Three": Every group member must carry an avalanche beacon (transceiver), a snow probe, and a collapsible shovel—and know how to use them.
    • Recognize Avalanche Terrain: Be cautious on or beneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees, especially under cornices or after recent heavy storms.
    • Ride & Hike One at a Time: Cross suspect slopes individually so remaining group members stay in a safe zone to perform a rescue if a slide occurs.
    • Tell Someone Your Plan: Leave your exact route, vehicle details, and expected return time with a trusted contact off the mountain.