Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Thursday morning, January 23, 2020
Avalanche conditions are generally safe and the avalanche danger is LOW. Even though soft slabs of wind drifted snow should have mostly stabilized today, I'd still avoid slopes that have been freshly wind loaded.
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Special Announcements
We are very sad to report an avalanche fatality from Saturday above Farmington Canyon. An 18-year-old male snowmobiler was caught, fully buried and killed. The final report is available HERE. Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, family, rescuers, and everyone affected by this tragic accident.
Weather and Snow
No snow fell overnight, but most areas near Ogden received 4-5 inches since late Tuesday night.
Gusty winds yesterday eased some this morning and are generally blowing 5-10 mph and gusting 15-20 mph from the W and SW. Temperatures range from the low 20s F at upper elevations to near 30 degrees F at low elevations.

Under mostly cloudy skies today, a trace of snow could fall, and temperatures should warm into the upper 20s F at mid and upper elevations, and mid 30s F at low elevations. Winds should begin easing by this afternoon as a short lived ridge of high pressure moves over the area this afternoon and evening. Off and on snowfall will come through the weekend with mild temperatures and no major wind event.
Recent Avalanches
Yesterday, ski areas triggered isolated soft slabs of wind drifted snow only in steep terrain. These slabs were 6-8 inches deep.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
If you avoid areas with wind drifted snow, you'll avoid avalanches today. Look fresh slabs of wind drifted snow which appear rounded, smooth, and pillowly. Also, be aware of cross-loading when winds blow across a slope and load one side of it.
Winds at the highest elevations should still be transporting some snow this morning which could keep a few wind slabs unstable this morning.

CORNICE: More snow and more strong winds yesterday continued to grow cornices. They often break much further back than expected, so be sure to give them a wide berth when traveling along the exposed ridgelines.
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.