Forecast: Ogden Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Issued by Greg Gagne for
Monday, March 28, 2022

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all aspects and elevations due to recent and continued warming of the snowpack. Natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Avoid being in avalanche paths and below avalanche runout zones.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

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Weather and Snow

Temperatures range from the upper 30's through mid 40's F and south winds are increasing - gusting into the 40's and 50's mph across exposed ridgelines at the mid and upper elevations.

For today, cloudy skies and moderate to strong southerly winds gusting into the 40's mph along exposed mid-elevation ridges, with higher gusts possible. Temperatures will rise into the 40's F. Rain and snow showers are possible by late in the day.

The strong southerly winds are ahead of a spring storm system that arrives later today and last through Wednesday, bringing 3-6" of dense snow and cooler temperatures.

Recent Avalanches

There have been no recent reports from the backcountry, but snow safety teams have reported natural avalanche activity in closed terrain.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

It has been roughly 100 hours (4 days) since most mountain locations have had below-freezing temperatures with another day of warm temperatures ahead. Cloud cover, winds, and slightly cooler temperatures today should mean less warming, but the snowpack remains warm and wet with meltwater moving down through the snowpack. As this water trickles down, it loosens (weakens) the bonds, creating a weak snowpack structure where both natural and human-triggered avalanches can occur.

These wet avalanche types include:

Wet Loose avalanches are likely on all aspects and elevations and may subsequently trigger wet slabs.
Wet Slab avalanches are possible on many aspects and elevations, especially on steep northeast to southeast facing aspects. Crown depths may be 1-3' with very wide propagation.
Cornices are sagging and may calve off, triggering avalanches below.

With no overnight refreezes, the usual spring protocol of an early start doesn't apply right now and it is best to all avalanche terrain until colder temperatures lock up the snowpack.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

You can still trigger slab avalanches 1-3' deep on our Jan/Feb drought layer of facets, especially on mid-to upper elevation north to northeast facing slopes. You may trigger these remotely - from a distance or from below.

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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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures