Observation: North Ogden Divide

Observation Date
2/2/2020
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden » North Ogden Canyon » North Ogden Divide
Location Name or Route
divide
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
winds whipping and moving snow on the ridges.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
South slopes with melt crust, barely supportable. Still able to find some dry powder on the north protected areas, very limited however. Wet, damp, heavy powder was more of the norm though.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind slab off of the ridges was quite sensitive, sliding on the rain crust from 12 days ago. (see video) This rain crust is present below 7500ft. but the 'new' snow above it is bonded well except on the ridges. I dug a pit on a north slope at 7500ft and I had no failure with ECT above or below this rain crust. This may change with more snow however. Will take another look after the new snow and colder temps this week.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Lots of roller balls and wet sluffing was wide spread below 6500ft. Nothing stepped down deep into the snowpack but many ran quite far on the old rain crust. The cold should end this.
Comments
1. Wind loading
2. Wet sluffing
3. Roller ball
4. Rain crust at 7000ft. on a north slope
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable