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Observation: North Ogden Mountains

Observation Date
1/9/2023
Observer Name
M Talty
Region
Ogden » North Ogden Mountains
Location Name or Route
North Ogden Mountains
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Trace of graupel overnight. BKN skies this morning transitioned to a fast-approaching storm at 1PM. Moderate S winds with strong gusts was transporting snow on W-N-E slopes.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
The upper snowpack has been packed in by the strong winds. Saturday's low density powder is now stiff, fast riding powder.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
Pockets of natural wind slab activity on steep NE slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
W-N-E slopes have 25-60cm deep wind slab at upper and mid elevations. Buried surface hoar from the night of 1/06 can be found underneath this slab. This hazard will increase with tonight's new snow and strong winds.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
On mid and upper elevation N-E slopes, the November facets are buried up to 150cm deep. On these slopes, it's hard to find propagation in ECTs but is still not to be trusted. This layer is present on all elevations W-N-E, and is within the upper meter of the snowpack at lower elevations and western slopes exposed to the wind. We still do not trust this weak layer at any elevation and aspect.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
8,700'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
Between yesterday and today, the main avalanche concern was wind slabs coupled with step-down potential into the November facets. Wind slabs were reactive, and pockets of natural avalanche activity could be observed on steep NE slopes. This hazard will only increase tonight with strong wind and new snow.
The November facets are still not to be trusted in this region. They're trending in the right direction, but we just need a little more time. On average, they're buried 100-150 cm down but can be found in the upper meter at lower elevations and on Westerly slopes exposed to the wind. A PST on a W facing slope at 8700' resulted in PST 40/100 (End) on these facets 70cm beneath the surface.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates