Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne for
Friday, November 23, 2018
The avalanche danger in the Ogden area mountains is LOW today, with the new snow mostly landing bare ground. Do watch for changing conditions today with more snow and wind forecasted, especially by the afternoon. And with another one to two feet of snow in the forecast overnight and into Saturday, the avalanche danger will increase this weekend. We we will do regular early morning updates through the weekend.
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Moderate
Considerable
High
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
We are very proud to introduce our new website for the 2018-19 winter season. This will provide an easier and cleaner way to view all of the snow and avalanche information that you've come to rely on. We are quite happy with how the new website performs on mobile devices as well. We think you'll find the desktop or laptop experience pleasant as well. We are still tying up some loose ends so bear with us.
Link to video containing information about new website.
Check out our BLOG with more info on our new web site and avalanche problems.
Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies, so be sure to check the uphill policy of any ski resort before you plan on visiting. With no avalanche mitigation in place, closed ski areas are no different than the backcountry. If you are heading to a different region, make sure you check the local forecast - the avalanche danger is higher in the Provo and Salt Lake area mountains.
Weather and Snow
Temperatures this morning in the Ogden mountains range through the 20's F and winds are westerly and generally light, but gusting into the teens and 20's. Snow totals since Thursday are 7". Temperatures are forecasted to rise into the 30's F today with westerly winds gusting into the 20's and 30's. Snowfall - and winds - are expected to increase this afternoon with upwards of 3-6" of new snow and increasingly strong winds out of the west/southwest.
The Ogden area mountains are a whole different world from the Wasatch mountains to the south, and in a very good way. Prior to Thanksgiving, most slopes were bare, with only patchy snow on upper elevation, northerly facing slopes. Below are photos from the Snowbasin and Powder Mountain web cams taken earlier this week. The 7" of snowfall from Thanksgiving fell on bare ground.
Another view from Powder Mountain.
The photo below is from Snowbasin during Thanksgiving Day, showing the bare spots beginning to fill in!
Recent Avalanches
No avalanches have been reported from the Ogden mountains.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
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Description
The Thanksgiving storm snow fell on bare ground, so we are not expecting avalanche activity - at least not yet! However, there are a couple of things to watch for:
- there were reports of small wind drifts during the day on Thursday;
- if we get more snow than forecasted, the avalanche hazard could increase at the upper elevations, especially in areas that are being wind-loaded.
With additional snowfall and strong winds overnight, the avalanche hazard will rise by Saturday morning.
Below - Doug Wewer photo of "old snow" shallow crusts and facets on upper elevation northerly aspects in the Ogden mountains. You can view Doug's observation where he provides an excellent overview of the situation prior to this storm, as well as all observations from the Ogden area mountains.
Additional Information
More snow is on the way! After today's forecasted 3-6", A strong cold front will cross the area tonight, with snowfall continuing into Saturday. Snow totals of two are expected by Sunday morning.
Clearing and colder Sunday, with strong warming into the early week. The good news is that we may be returning to an unsettled period again by later this coming week.
Join the UAC for the 2nd Annual Ogden Backcountry Bash at The Front Climbing Gym in Ogden.
Beer, pizza, silent auction, prizes, and climbing!
November 29
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
The Front Climbing Club, 225 20th street, Ogden UT 84401