Observation: North Ogden Canyon

Observation Date

2/8/2020

Observer Name

Joe

Region

Ogden » North Ogden Canyon

Location Name or Route

North Ogden Canyon

Weather

Sky

Scattered

Wind Direction

West

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

On and off sun until about 2:00 then overcast. The sun wasn't having any noticeable effect on the snow surface, even on southern aspects.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Melt-Freeze Crust

Rain-Rime Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

I traveled from 6000' to 8300' and covered all aspects today, and found no escape from the rain crust. It was about an inch thick and ranged from breakable to bulletproof. Some soft dense snow was found in thick Pine forest but even that was inconsistent and had to trust.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Heavy Snowfall

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Observed numerous natural avalanches from the past storm on southeast, southwest, north, northwest, and northeast aspects. (See photos below.) Most appeared to be 4-6 inches deep. We also found sensitive cornices on upper elevation ridgelines. We found no shooting cracks or collapsing in our travels.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Cornice

Trend

Same

Comments

Easily triggered cornices.