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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Tuesday morning, February 6, 2018

Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE for triggering a persistent slab avalanche on upper elevation slopes that face NW through E, especially on slopes that are heavily wind loaded. Also the danger is MODERATE at upper elevations later today for triggering shallow wind slabs formed by today's WNW winds.

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Weather and Snow

Temperatures cooled overnight and are just below freezing in valley locations, in the 20’s F around 7000 feet, and in the upper teens F at higher elevations above 8000 feet. Winds are averaging about 10 mph from the WNW with gusts of 20 mph. Riding conditions aren’t the best. A touch of new snow Sunday night, warm temperatures the last few days, and this morning’s cold temperatures have done little to improve conditions. A few inches forecasted today will help.

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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

The lingering persistent slab avalanche problem exists at elevations 8500' and above, on slopes facing northwest through east. Although there is little snow available for winds to transport, avoid heavily wind-loaded slopes in these locations.

As an outlier, buried surface hoar has been found in the mountains east of Hunstsville and Eden (and in the southern end of the Logan zone) and has yet to be reactive to human weight or snow tests. This layer is about 10 inches deep. Even though it has been unreactive, watch for any cracking on this layer that will tell you of an isolated area where it could produce an avalanche (Photo Below).

There is some good news. Weak facets on some slopes, especially at mid elevations, became slightly damp during recent warm weather. Today’s cold temperatures will help refreeze and strengthen buried facets on these slopes. Watch the video below or go here.

Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

There may be a few fresh wind slabs that form today as new snow falls. With minimal snow available for transport, these wind slabs should be isolated and pretty small.

Additional Information

Another disturbance will descend over northern Utah today bringing cold air and snow. Temperatures should drop a few degrees from where they are this morning an mostly be in the teens and low 20's F. As this disturbance approaches, wind speeds may increase a little, but overall they should continue from the WNW at 10-15 mph with gusts of 20-30 mph. At the highest elevations near 11,000 feet winds should remain strong and average 30-40 mph. Fingers crossed, but another 3-4 inches should fall today. We need every bit of snow we can get. The next chance for snow doesn't arrive until Saturday.

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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

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