Observation: North Ogden Canyon

Observation Date

12/13/2016

Observer Name

Mike H

Region

Ogden » North Ogden Canyon

Location Name or Route

South Skyline Trail

Weather

Sky

Broken

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

It was a beuatiful morning to be in the mountains. Calm winds and broken skies made for a dramatic sunrise. Overnight it appeared to have cleared and allowed for some SH formation.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

Good Skiing can still be found in sheltered wind protected areas. While the skiing cam be found, in the south skyline trail area, more snow is still needed to truly enjoy it. The skiing is still a bit 'sporty' in this area due to the nature of ground fall and shrubs. About another 1.5' of snow and it will be great. I did not get up into the upper elevations, but the wind definitely wreaked havoc on the snow surface up high. The skiing

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #1 Comments

ECTP 17 Q1 SC at the ground kind of surprised me. This area of the Ogden mountains seemed to be a bit more reactive than the Cutler or snowbasin areas. While it is getting harder and harder to find a trigger spot for this avalanche, it can still happen and surface problems that step down into this could potentially produce larger avalanches.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Problem #2 Comments

Lots of snow still available for transport. The cold temps and clear night last night preserved the soft surface snow and will be available to be moved around our mountains relatively easy.

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

7,200'

Slope Angle

22°