Salt Lake County Utah | 90-105 mph Design Wind Speed | Wasatch Mountain Topographic Effects | Exposure Category B Urban | Utah State Construction Code with ASCE 7-22
Calculate Salt Lake City Wind Loads Now āSalt Lake City, located in Salt Lake County, Utah, sits in a valley between the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Oquirrh Mountains to the west at approximately 4,200 feet elevation. Salt Lake City requires a design wind speed of approximately 90-105 mph (3-second gust) for Risk Category II structures, based on ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps and its mountain valley location.
Salt Lake City experiences unique wind load considerations due to its position in the Salt Lake Valley, with potential topographic effects from the Wasatch Range creating enhanced wind conditions in canyon mouths and elevated areas. The city has grown from its Mormon pioneer heritage into a major tech hub known as Silicon Slopes, hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics. The city operates under the Utah State Construction Code which adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with state-specific amendments.
Design Wind Speed (Risk Category II): 90-105 mph (3-second gust, varies by location and elevation)
Design Wind Speed (Risk Category III): ~100-115 mph
Design Wind Speed (Risk Category IV): ~105-120 mph
Exposure Category: B (urban valley), potential Exposure C in exposed areas
Topographic Factor (Kzt): May exceed 1.0 near canyon mouths and mountain slopes
Building Code: Utah State Construction Code (adopts IBC)
Wind Load Standard: ASCE 7-22
Elevation: ~4,200 feet above sea level
Notable Features: Great Salt Lake, Wasatch Mountains, 2002 Winter Olympics, Silicon Slopes tech hub
Salt Lake City's design wind speeds of 90-105 mph are derived from ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps for the northern Utah valley region. This velocity range reflects the city's interior mountain valley location, elevation at approximately 4,200 feet, and exposure to mountain wind phenomena including canyon winds and downslope wind events.
The exact wind speed for a specific Salt Lake City project depends on precise location and elevation. Areas near the mouths of mountain canyons (Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Parley's Canyon) may experience enhanced wind speeds due to canyon channeling effects. The Wasatch Front foothills and elevated areas typically require higher wind speeds than the valley floor. The WindLoadCalc.com calculator automatically determines the correct velocity based on your project's zip code or address and applies appropriate topographic factors.
Salt Lake City's position at the base of the Wasatch Range creates unique topographic wind considerations:
Salt Lake City has evolved into a major economic and technology center:
Salt Lake City's mountain valley climate creates specific engineering considerations:
Calculating wind loads for Salt Lake City projects requires following ASCE 7-22 methodology with Utah State Construction Code requirements. The fundamental velocity pressure equation is:
qz = 0.00256 Kz Kzt Kd Ke VĀ²
For a typical Salt Lake City valley project with V = 95 mph and Exposure B conditions, a downtown project with:
Results in a velocity pressure of approximately qz = 16.4 psf. However, a project near a canyon mouth or on the Wasatch Front may require Kzt = 1.2 or higher, significantly increasing pressures.
Salt Lake City operates under the Utah State Construction Code, which adopts the International Building Code (IBC) with state-specific amendments. All Salt Lake City projects must comply with:
Salt Lake City: Design wind speed 90-105 mph, 4,200 ft elevation, Wasatch Mountain topographic effects, urban valley Exposure B
Denver: Design wind speed 90-105 mph, 5,280 ft elevation, Front Range effects, similar mountain valley considerations
Key Takeaway: Both mountain cities have similar wind speed requirements but require careful topographic analysis due to mountain proximity and canyon effects
Salt Lake City projects must be classified into Risk Categories per ASCE 7-22 Table 1.5-1. Higher risk categories require increased design wind speeds:
| Risk Category | Salt Lake City Design Wind Speed | Building Types |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Category I | ~85-95 mph | Agricultural facilities, temporary structures, minor storage |
| Risk Category II | 90-105 mph | Residential, commercial, most standard occupancies |
| Risk Category III | ~100-115 mph | Schools, assembly >300, substantial hazardous materials |
| Risk Category IV | ~105-120 mph | Hospitals, fire stations, emergency shelters, EOCs |
Salt Lake City projects require careful exposure category determination based on location and surrounding terrain:
Salt Lake City area uses zip codes in the 84101-84199 range. Wind speeds vary by location and elevation:
The WindLoadCalc.com wind load calculator automatically determines the correct wind speed and exposure category recommendations when you enter any Salt Lake City/Salt Lake County zip code or address, using ASCE 7-22 wind speed maps and local terrain analysis with topographic factor considerations.
WindLoadCalc.com automatically handles all Salt Lake City/Salt Lake County requirements including location-specific wind velocities (90-105 mph range), appropriate Exposure Category recommendations, topographic factor Kzt determination, Risk Category adjustments, and component pressure coefficients. Simply enter your Salt Lake City project address or zip code for instant, accurate calculations.
Calculate Salt Lake City Wind Loads Now āAll wind load calculations for Salt Lake City building permits must be prepared by or under the direct supervision of a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in Utah. The sealed calculations must include:
Utah requires professional engineers to be licensed through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Engineers must hold a valid Utah PE license to seal structural calculations for projects in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah.
Engineers, architects, and contractors should reference these official resources for Salt Lake City wind load compliance:
The wind load calculator at WindLoadCalc.com automatically applies all Salt Lake City-specific requirements:
Salt Lake City stands as a unique American city, nestled in a mountain valley between the Wasatch and Oquirrh ranges with the Great Salt Lake to the northwest. From its founding by Mormon pioneers in 1847 to its transformation into the Silicon Slopes tech hub and host of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City combines historic heritage with modern growth.
The city's position in the Salt Lake Valley creates specific engineering challenges. The Wasatch Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop but also influence wind patterns through canyon channeling and downslope wind events. Projects near canyon mouths or on the foothill bench areas face enhanced wind loads requiring careful topographic analysis. The combination of mountain valley winds, significant snow loads, and seismic considerations makes proper engineering critical for both residential and commercial construction.
Whether you're working on a downtown high-rise in the growing Silicon Slopes district, a residential development on the east bench, or a commercial project near a canyon mouth, understanding and implementing Salt Lake City's wind load requirements ensures structural safety while accommodating the city's unique mountain valley environment and continued growth as a major western metropolitan area.
WindLoadCalc.com provides instant, accurate wind load calculations for Salt Lake City/Salt Lake County projects. Our software automatically handles location-specific wind velocities (90-105 mph), topographic factor analysis for mountain effects, appropriate Exposure Category recommendations, and generates PE-ready reports for building permit submission.
Try Salt Lake City Wind Load Calculator ā