Observation Date
2/19/2026
Observer Name
Davis
Region
Ogden » Monte Cristo
Location Name or Route
Monte Cristo
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Most clear skys and temps were below freezing in the mid 20's which made for loose pow and snow dusty trails.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
20"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
We found 20 to 24' of new snow on top of last weeks 12" of dense snow. All of which is resting on top of the January (drought) facets which equals a thick slap over a persistent weak layer of snow. Avi conditions are still elevated so be careful.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We saw some cracks and visually checked the snow pack structure (poor) by digging a test pit on a Northeast facing aspect at 8600ft near the summit of Monte Cristo.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The January drought layer consisting of mostly loose faceted snow is still in play. NOW, there's about 35" of mostly bonded snow resting on this bad layer. We ran an extended column test and got collapse and propagation at 22 taps on the shovel, or, ECTP22. See pic...
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Same test pit... You can see the new layer of snow (2 feet) resting on about 10" of dense snow from February 12th. Both of these layers are resting on the January facets a seen in the hand hardness photo.
Comments
The snow pack has seen a big change in the last week. Mother nature has finally delivered the gift we have all been waiting for, but that gift comes with high risk, and consequences, if it's not respected. Be sure to stay up to speed on the snowpack conditions by diligently reading the UAC forecasts.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
