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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Evelyn Lees
Issued by Evelyn Lees for
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on steep mid and upper elevation slopes for triggering new drifts of wind blown snow, which will be most widespread on the northwest through southeast facing slopes. There is a MODERATE danger at the mid and low elevations for triggering wind drifts, new snow slides and for wet loose sluffs, on both southerly and northerly facing slopes.
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Weather and Snow
Under partly cloudy skies, it’s warm and breezy this morning - temperatures are in the upper 20s to mid 30s in the Ogden area mountains. Winds have been southeast to southwesterly, peaking overnight 20 to 35 mph range, with gusts in the 50s. Even the mid elevations have speeds of 25 mph, with gusts to 40 mph. Today, temperatures will warm to near 40 at the mid and low elevations, with periods of high, thin clouds and wind speeds slowly diminishing throughout the day. The snow is slowly settling and becoming less punchy, especially in wind sheltered areas. Sunny slopes are crusted, but will soften later today.
Recent Avalanches
Clearing skies made for good views, with widespread natural avalanche activity noted in the Ogden area mountains. The resorts continued to release new snow avalanches and both hard and soft wind slabs with explosives.
Baily's, Ben Lomond Peak, Ben Bauter photo
Willard Peak avalanche
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The overnight southerly winds will have created a new batch of drifts, most widespread on upper elevation slopes facing northwest through easterly. The new surface wind drifts will be rounded and smooth, and there may be new cornices to avoid along the ridge lines. Previous wind events in the last week has left a string of stubborn, scattered, old drifts at upper and mid elevations, some buried deeper beneath the new snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
There is now weak, sugary faceted snow buried mid snowpack in the Ogden area mountains, that formed early January. But the sensitivity is very variable. This old snow surface layer produced avalanches at a variety of elevations during the storm. The solution is to dial back the steep angles for a while, or get out your shovel and dig about 3 to 4 feet down to see what the layering is where you are..
Kory Davis photo, Chilly Peak slabs
Avalanche Problem #3
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Small, wet loose sluffs may occur today on steep sunny slopes and on all low elevation slopes, including shady, northerly facing slopes. When the snow gets damp where you are, move off steep slopes. Avoid travel beneath snow loaded roofs of mountain buildings, which may slide.
General Announcements
This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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