UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Drew Hardesty
Issued by Drew Hardesty for
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Most terrain has a LOW avalanche danger. Isolated areas exist in the higher elevations with shallow wind drifts and minor sluffing in the low density snow. Normal caution is advised.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Thanks to everyone who came out for the 2nd annual Ogden Backcountry Bash! All proceeds will go to support backcountry avalanche forecasting and education in the Ogden mountains.
Weather and Snow
Skies are clear, ain't it a shame. It was a good run there, wasn't it? Snow depths are over three feet at the mid and upper elevations with nearly two feet at some of the trailheads.
Temps are in the single digits with westerly winds generally less than 10mph. Riding conditions are 5 star with a touch of wind effect in the highest terrain.
How's the early winter shaping up? After a number of years of drought, looks like we're at or above average for early December. See below -
Recent Avalanches
Long time Ogden observers Lee Fortin and Bill Brandt noted a new wind-drift natural soft slab avalanche high on the Cutler Ridge yesterday but this was the extent of activity noted.
A good number of pro observations from the Ogden mountains can be found here. You'll find Evelyn's report from her outing with the Powder Mtn snow safety folks.
Other great info can be found on the OgdenAvalanche instagram feed.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The Ogden mountains may have some of the strongest, most stable snowpacks across the state. Old weak faceted snow is patchy and unconnected in the higher northerly terrain and we haven't heard of any avalanches, cracking or collapsing in this layering. Still, if heading into the highest shady elevations, it's worth pulling out the shovel to determine if any old, grey and granular faceted snow exists at or near the ground...and how reactive it might be to snow tests.

Risk is inherent in mountain travel. Isolated and shallow wind pockets and minor sluffing of the new snow are possible in steep, high alpine terrain. These issues are manageable through proper assessment, terrain choices, ski cuts and the like. Radical terrain amplifies the consequences of even a minor mishap. Remember that good habits save lives: travel one at a time through avalanche terrain, carry and know how to use rescue equipment, and be close enough to your partners to effect a rescue if needed.
General Announcements
This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.