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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Evelyn Lees
Issued by Evelyn Lees for
Friday, March 22, 2019
The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep upper elevation slopes facing northwest through north through east, where slab avalanches failing on the old dry snow can be triggered. Other terrain has a LOW avalanche danger, though small sluffs and soft slabs can be triggered, especially this afternoon during periods of snowfall or increased wind. Avoid spending time beneath cornices, glide cracks and steep roofs.
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The latest blog-casts are out - Shame and the Social Contract and Stacking the Deck.
Weather and Snow
Winter is trying to make a comeback, but needs a bit more encouragement. The first 2 shots of snow (yesterday and overnight) have left a total of about 3 to 6” of snow in the Ogden area mountains. Most terrain is dust on crust, the exception upper elevation, northwest through northeasterly facing slopes, where there is soft snow beneath the new. Dodging hidden frozen ice chunks, avalanche debris and “curb and gutter” frozen tracks will take skill. Turning will be improved on smooth, lower angle slopes.
This morning, light snow is falling and temperatures are in the mid to upper twenties at the mid and upper elevations, and still just around freezing at the low elevation trailheads. An additional 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected today, with convective showers and lightning possible. Highs today will be in the upper 30s at 8,000’. Winds will remain from the south, averaging 20 to 25 mph at times, with gusts to 40, with the windiest ridge lines like Mt Ogden having faster speeds - currently averaging 35, gusting to 40.
Recent Avalanches
Yesterday, the Ogden area resorts reported new snow soft slabs and sluffs off the wind loaded ridge lines, above about 8,000'. Wednesday, there was an avalanche triggered in Taylor Canyon that took a person for a ride, most likely a slab of wind drifted snow.
Another huge roof-a-lanche occurred around 3 am this morning in upper Little Cottonwood. Could happen any where there is still snow on roofs.
3 am roof avalanche, LCC. Photo Dave Richards.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Before these small storms, there was weak loose, dry snow on the upper elevation, shady slopes mostly above 8,000', though Wednesdays' slide shows it can exists even a bit lower, 7,400', on very sheltered, shady slopes. To have an avalanche, the weak snow needs a slab, which can be a denser wind drift from the past few days or today. Approach steep, upper elevation shady slopes with caution - this is where wider slab avalanches can be triggered today, possibly remotely or breaking out above you when you’re part way down a slope.
While this video is from Little Cottonwood, it explains the layering you are looking for and how easy and useful a hand pit can be. Greg Gagne explaining layering on an upper elevation northeasterly facing slope where there was collapsing.
Avalanche Problem #2
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
While most terrain has a LOW danger, a deep snowpack, new snow, wind and the transition from winter to spring means staying alert.
Shallow soft slabs and loose sluffs can be triggered on all aspects, especially in wind drifted terrain or during heavier snowfall this afternoon. Even a small slide can have serious consequences in big, steep terrain or if you’re above cliffs.
If the sun comes out for even a moment, damp sluffs an be triggered on steep slopes.
Cornices are too large to tangle with or try to intentionally trigger. Avoid these monsters.
More roof slides released this morning - always avoid travel beneath snow laden roofs and warn others.
Glide cracks can release at any time, sending the whole season’s snowpack down slope. Avoid spending time below the yawning cracks.
Additional Information
Slide-for-life’s may be possible on the hard crusts beneath the new snow. Consider some combination of crampons, ski crampons, Whippets or an ice axe if you’re heading into very steep, alpine terrain. Carry skin wax and a scraper to deal with alternating dry and damp snow.
General Announcements
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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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