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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne for
Friday, April 12, 2019
The avalanche hazard is generally Low, but there are enough concerns - especially with unpredictable spring weather - that warrant an overall Moderate hazard. The primary avalanche issues include recent storm snow as well as recent and new wind drifts. Additionally, if the snow surface warms today, avalanches involving wet snow are possible. Have a flexible plan that allows you to quickly respond to changing conditions.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Today's forecast was written by Zinnia Wilson, and approved by Greg Gagne.
Daily early morning avalanche forecasts will end Sunday, April 14. We will issue early morning forecasts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of Easter weekend (April 19-20). Throughout the rest of April, we will issue intermittent updates with any snowfall and we will continue posting observations.

Our final podcast for the season has been released HERE. Low Danger - A Story in 5 Parts. Thanks much to our producer Benjamin Bombard and our sponsors Arva, Prival, and 2nd Tracks Sports.
Drew also penned a blog this morning, with the lofty title "Meditations on Skiing the No-Fall Zone: Applying the CMAH to the Grunge Couloir. And other Ramblings" .. This quick read should prompt good conversations with your ski partners as we enter what promises to be an excellent season for spring skiing and well-timed objective-hunting.

Powder Mountain ski operations have ended for the season, and the resort welcomes responsible uphill traffic on its property. Thanks!

Thanks so much to everyone who supported our spring fundraiser. We exceeded our goals. The UAC could not exist without your support.
Weather and Snow
Yesterday and last night: Despite cool temperatures, brief periods of sun made for a wet surface by early afternoon. Thicker clouds moved-in later and the Ogden area mountains got another 4-6" inches of snow in the evening. One skier in the Powder Mountain backcountry reported "below the cold, dry new snow, the rest of the storm snow turned into a kind of spongy, wet layer, with a slight crust on south aspects. The skiing was ridiculously good." Late afternoon saw moderate winds from the NW, but wind speeds have since died down. Temperatures ranged from high teens through low twenties at mid and upper elevations.
Today: Expecting a marvelous and surprising powder day for Ogden's April backcountry ski community. On top of yesterday's accumulations, 5 inches of snow (containing 0.6 inches of water) recorded in a two hour period early this morning. Temperatures should be only a couple degrees warmer than yesterday, and still below freezing except in the lower elevations. Winds will remain light, increasing only slightly as they trend more northerly this afternoon. Convective snow showers may deliver another inch or two this afternoon through evening, with thunder and localized high rates of precipitation possible.
On tap: Expecting tranquil weather Saturday under ridging, with winds picking up again Sunday ahead of another storm. Models show between 1.5 and 2 more inches of SWE by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanches reported from the Ogden area mountains.
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Avalanche Problem #1
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Between 1 and 3 a.m. the Ogden area mountains got a pulse of precipitation, with one station recording 0.4 inches of water in a one-hour period. Winds were light and the underlying snowpack is quite stable, but dry loose sluffs and soft storm slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers. If lake-enhanced convective activity results in another period of high precipitation intensity, expect sensitivity to increase.
Avalanche Problem #2
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Wet Snow: Clouds and cool temperatures are forecasted for today, but this is April. If brief periods of clearing allow the high-angle sun to impact southerly slopes, we would see roller balls and wet loose activity pick-up rapidly on solar aspects at all elevations. If clouds thin more than expected, greenhousing could bring wet activity to mid and low elevation northerly aspects.
Wind Drifted Snow: Let your senses speak more loudly than the forecast. Cornice development and wind slabs should be suspected if you see snow transport along ridge lines.
Additional Information
Spring is here and it is time to adjust our travel. Learn what to watch for during spring avalanche conditions when the snow becomes wet.
General Announcements
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.