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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, December 6, 2019
Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE on upper elevation northerly facing slopes. Recent warm weather has strengthened the snowpack, but triggering an avalanche on old weak snow near the ground remains possible. Although other slopes have a Low avalanche danger, there are avalanche concerns including pockets of fresh wind slabs, sluffing in recent storm snow on steeper aspects, and sluffing in loose wet snow at lower elevations as well as steeper southerly aspects from warming temperatures today.
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Special Announcements
Welcome to the First Annual Avalanche Awareness Week. We hope to see you at one of the 20 scheduled events. Check out the schedule here.
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The first UAC podcast of the season " Early Season Essentials with Program Director Bo Torrey" check it out HERE.
Weather and Snow
Currently, weather conditions in the Ogden mountains include temperatures in the mid and upper 20's F. Winds are out of the south/southwest. At the lower elevations winds are light, but along the upper elevation ridges and summits, gusts are in the teens and 20's F. On Thursday 4-5" of dense snow was reported throughout the Ogden mountains, containing nearly 0.5 inches of water.
For today, you can expect partly-cloudy skies above 8500', with periods of fog below. Mountain temperatures will rise into the low and mid 30's at mid-elevations, and mid to upper 20's F. along upper elevation ridgelines. Winds will be from the south/southwest, gusting into the teens and 20's mph.
A more promising system is expected later Saturday night into Sunday, with perhaps 8" of snow by Monday.
Recent Avalanches
Only minor avalanche activity was reported from the Ogden mountains on Thursday, primarily involving wet loose activity from periods of sun and warming temperatures. Brian Smith submitted a nice observation from the North Ogden Divide where he highlighted the wet snow issues he encountered.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
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Description
Although there are indications that the faceted snow found down near the ground on upper elevations aspects facing northwest through northeast is gaining strength, the poor structure of strong snow over weak snow gives me enough concern to avoid these steep, upper elevation northerly slopes. If you do choose to venture into this avalanche terrain, you will need to pull out your shovel and assess the stability of the snowpack. Remember, existing tracks on a slope are zero indication of stability.
On Wednesday, Derek DeBruin submitted an observation from Cutler Ridge on Ben Lomond where he found this weak layer of snow on a northwest aspect at 8400', but it was showing signs of strengthening and was unreactive instability tests.
Additional Information
On Saturday, my regular touring partners and I are planning on spending time refreshing rescue skills. This includes (1) beacon practice, (2) probing, and (3) strategic shoveling. I encourage others to spend time practicing these skills. Need to learn these skills or take a refresher, consider signing up for a companion rescue course!
General Announcements
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
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.
Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can also call us at 801-524-5304, email by clicking HERE, or include #utavy in your tweet or Instagram.
To get help in an emergency (to request a rescue) in the Wasatch, call 911. Be prepared to give your GPS coordinates or the run name.
Backcountry Emergencies. It outlines your step-by-step method in the event of a winter backcountry incident.
If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry, but no one is hurt and you do not need assistance, please notify the nearest ski area dispatch to avoid a needless response by rescue teams. Thanks.
Salt Lake and Park City – Alta Central (801-742-2033), Canyons Resort/PCMR Dispatch (435-615-1911)
Ogden - Snowbasin Resort Dispatch (801-620-1017), Powder Mountain Dispatch (801-745-3772 x 123)
Provo - Sundance Dispatch (801-223-4150)
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