A rescue helicopter flying above the mountains and valley at sunset

SLCOSAR · Outdoor Education

Conditions & Useful Links

Trusted starting points for forecasts, access information, outdoor education, and Utah search and rescue.

For a search and rescue emergency, call 9-1-1.Non-emergency dispatch: 801-840-4000

Go to the source

Use these official and specialist resources before each trip. Open the provider’s page for current information; this directory does not display live conditions.

Weather & avalanche forecasts

Utah resource

Mountain weather

Local forecasts, watches, warnings, and weather briefings from the National Weather Service’s Salt Lake City office.

Open NWS Salt Lake City

Select your destination and check the issue time.

Utah resource

Avalanche forecasts

Regional avalanche forecasts, observations, and snow information from Utah Avalanche Center.

Open Utah Avalanche Center

Choose the correct region and read the full forecast.

Roads, Access, Fire & Air Quality

Utah resource

Road conditions

UDOT’s official traffic, road-weather, camera, and closure information.

Open UDOT Traffic

Check your route before departure; conditions can change.

Utah resource

Forest access & notices

Official information for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, including alerts and recreation-area updates.

Open the Forest Service

Check the relevant trail, road, and land-manager notices.

Utah resource

Wildfire information

Utah’s interagency fire information portal, linked by the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.

Open Utah Fire Info

Confirm restrictions with the land manager for your destination.

Utah resource

Air Quality & Smoke

Current air quality readings and forecasts from Utah’s Division of Air Quality.

Check Utah Air Quality

Check the area nearest your destination before heading out.

Skills, preparation & SAR

Utah resource

Avalanche education

Find Utah Avalanche Center classes, awareness resources, and links to online learning.

Explore avalanche education

Choose instruction suited to your activity and experience.

National resource

Outdoor preparation essentials

The National Park Service’s Ten Essentials guide to packing for changing conditions and unexpected delays.

Explore the NPS Ten Essentials

Adapt your supplies to your route, activity, and expected conditions.

National resource

A trip plan to share

The National Park Service’s trip-plan guidance and template for your trusted contact.

Open the trip-plan resource

Use it for day trips or longer outings.

Utah resource

Utah SAR assistance program

Official information about the Utah Search and Rescue Assistance card and its terms.

Read the official USARA FAQ

The program is separate from medical insurance.

Build your plan around what you find

A forecast is one part of the decision. Combine current conditions with your route, equipment, skills, and the needs of everyone in your group.

Read the trip-planning guide

Directory source check: September 22, 2026. External links open in a new tab. Always follow current closures and official instructions.