Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, November 22, 2019
Other than some sluffing in the new snow, there is not enough snow and wind to significantly change the avalanche danger at this time; however, remember that risk is always inherent in mountain travel.

We are not issuing danger ratings at this time, but are posting observations every day now, so submit an avalanche or observation HERE. Read observations HERE.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
The open and closed resorts have different uphill travel policies, which may change daily as they work towards opening for the season. Check with each resort for the current information. Terrain in unopened resorts must be treated as backcountry.
The First Annual Avalanche Awareness Week is December 2-7 We have a week full of fun and educational events planned. Check out the schedule here.
As part of your early season tune-up, consider taking an avalanche class. We have lots of avalanche education classes listed already, from Know Before You Go to Companion Rescue to our Backcountry 101. Click on the Education menu on our webpage for a full list of classes from the UAC and other providers. Check out the Know Before You Go eLearning program for free, online, avalanche classes.
Weather and Snow
Storm totals from the mid-week system are 2-4", with a "snowpack" up to 12" in the upper elevations above 8,000' in the Ogden-area mountains.

This weekend will feature partly cloudy skies and mild mountain temperatures rising into the 30's F. Winds are forecasted to remain light. A more active pattern is forecasted for this coming week, beginning with a cold front arriving during the day on Monday.
Recent Avalanches
None reported.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The pre-existing snow prior to this week's storm had turned weak and sugary. However, the 2-4" storm totals weren't enough to make this weak layer reactive. With snow and wind forecasted for much of this upcoming week, the weak faceted snow on northerly aspects in the upper elevations may become active. Below is a photo and video from Doug Wewer's excellent observation from Sunday, November 17:
Doug Wewer - Snowpit photo from 8700', N/NE aspect on Ogden Mountain.
Here is a great video about the current snowpack.
Doug Wewer, on Mount Ogden - Check out the full Observeration HERE.