Bill Hunt

Ogden » Snowbasin Backcountry

Snowbasin backcountry

Glide cracks in upper Mt Ogden bowl, 4/9/2016.

Its been about 4 days since the last solid overnight freeze. On the Ben Lomond snotel at 8000', it looks like early AM on 4/6/2016 was the last time the air temp was below 32 degrees. On 4/8/2016 around 10AM, I found stable enough conditions to get on a steep shaded north-facing line, around 9300'. Firm but not too icy. After that, its just been too warm.

4/9/2016, glide cracks in upper Mt Ogden bowl, around 9100-9200 feet. There was another wet slide cycle in this area that afternoon (photo 4/10/2016); not running too far, but pointing out the sloppy conditions, above 9000' on E and NE.

Since today was the last day for the Mt Allen tram, I went up Mt Allen on the existing boot trail, just to take in the view, mid-day. The existing boot was good, sinking in about 3-4". I didn't venture off the existing boot, but testing the slope by booting fresh areas a bit, was less than boot deep. Snow is melting and settling out fast. The west side of Mt Ogden is getting melted out up high (photo). Since John Paul is staying open (from what I heard today; things can change), Mt Ogden will remain open or closed as per the Avalanche Signline Gate Status sign at the top of John Paul. Its been closed for about a week. There were some brief openings from 10AM to 11:45AM or so. If we get a solid freeze, and then sun, we could see some short openings like that. Rollerballs were easily triggered today, N, 9400'. A careful descent did not trigger a pushalanche. Doesn't look like a freeze till Thursday... I'll be getting out on the rivers, since they are starting to run now, with this heat :-)

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