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Observation: Ogden

Observation Date
2/24/2021
Observer Name
brian smith
Region
Ogden
Location Name or Route
south skyline from 5000-7600 ft.
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
2 inches of new snow fell with little wind making for improved turning on the exposed ridges
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The two inches of snow today fell without much wind and made for good turning on the ridges. Nice turning in the sheltered, low angle, low elevation slopes all the way down to 5000ft.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
The main red flag today was the wind loading from the west yesterday. I gave the wind loaded cornices plenty of space.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
Digging pits at 7200, 7400, and 7600ft. I found faceted snow only at 7600 ft and this was near the ground. It seems the new snow and warm temps at these lower elevations may have helped with the facets. Three weeks at 7600ft. the faceted layer was more prevalent.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
In addition to the usual western winds, there has been wind loading in unusual locations with the East winds we have had recently.
Comments
Photos of dominate west wind loading, east wind loading and base layer facets at 7600ft.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None