Forecast: Ogden Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Issued by Nikki Champion on
Wednesday morning, February 26, 2025

Today, MODERATE avalanche danger exists on mid and upper-elevation slopes facing east, north, and west, where triggering a persistent weak layer avalanche is possible. This also extends to all upper-elevation terrain due to recent wind-drifted slabs of snow.

All other slopes have a LOW avalanche danger. Winds should help maintain a cool snow surface, but as temperatures warm throughout the day, the risk of wet-loose avalanches could increase, especially on solar aspects. Pay attention to changing conditions—if the snow surface becomes damp and unsupportive, it may be time to move to a more shaded aspect.

Careful snow and terrain evaluation is essential, as human-triggered avalanches remain possible.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

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Weather and Snow

This morning, under clear skies, temperatures range from the low 20s F at trailheads to the mid-teens at ridgetops. Winds are west-northwesterly, averaging 5-10 mph at mid-elevations with gusts to 20 mph, and 15-20 mph at ridgetops, gusting to 35 mph. Overnight gusts peaked near 45 mph but have been steadily decreasing since midnight.

Today will be mostly sunny with clear skies. Temperatures will rise into the mid-30s. Northwest winds will stay breezy through the morning before tapering off and shifting to a more southwesterly direction, averaging 10-15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.

This weekend could bring a bit of light precipitation from a cutoff low, but a more active storm pattern is looking likely early next week. Timing is still uncertain, but current projections show the storm arriving early Monday and lasting through Wednesday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected in the first half of that window. Forecasts suggest a wide range of possible totals, so it’s a storm worth keeping an eye on.

After days of warm temperatures followed by overnight refreezes, the snow surface has taken a beating. Expect a firm crust on most aspects and elevations this morning.

Recent Avalanches

Yesterday, the winds seemed to keep most of the wet snow locked in place. Many of the wet-loose avalanches observed likely occurred on 2/24.

Looking towards the western ridgeline, including Chilly Peak and beyond, multiple natural wet-loose avalanches are visible from a considerable distance. See observation from Culter Ridge.

There are still reports coming in from last week's avalanche cycle and our recent observations page has all the updated details.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

A mix of buried persistent weak layers creates a complex and variable problem. Thinner, rockier areas and spots that avalanched earlier in the season are more likely to trigger an avalanche on a buried facet layer.

If you hear signs of collapsing at any elevation or aspect, move to a lower-angle slope to travel on or beneath.

This buried weak layer isn’t done yet. Late February usually brings a shift in mindset toward spring conditions, but this season is different. Give the snowpack time to settle.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Elevated winds continue to form wind drifts on all aspects at all upper elevations. Cornices have grown large and may break farther back from ridgelines than expected. With warm temperatures on the horizon make sure to give them a wide berth.

Any avalanche involving wind-drifted snow could step down to a buried persistent weak layer.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

If the sun comes out in full force and temperatures rise above freezing, the mid and lower elevation snowpack outside wind-affected areas may become saturated, increasing the risk of wet snow avalanches.

Avoid being under avalanche terrain on mid and lower slopes, especially during the heat of the day.

General Announcements

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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.

Observations and Avalanches

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