UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Monument

Observation Date
3/6/2023
Observer Name
M Talty
Region
Ogden » Monument
Location Name or Route
North Ogden Mountains
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Overcast skies this morning turned into light snowfall by 14:30, calm SW winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow from last night totaled 6" in sheltered areas, with nearly a foot of new snow in areas blown in by last night's wind. Awesome riding conditions.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
8,600'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments
During our travels today on Monument Ranch (private operating area) we went out to assess potential wind slabs and new snow instabilities. New snow from last night totaled 15cm with up to 30cm in areas blown in by the wind. Yesterday's sun created a noticeable crust on steep Southerly aspects beneath the new snow, especially on Souths exposed to the wind where ski pen was <5cm. All other aspects held excellent powder. Old wind slabs buried by the new snow seemed to have settled out in this area, we did not see any avalanche activity or red flags in our travels below 9,000'.
I stopped to dig a pit on a SE face at 8600' and found good stability. Although facets that had formed during the February dry spell were present, no solid slab was above them. Note, this area is a known "refrigerator" that holds cold snow and is a unique southerly slope.Was a good reminder of how spatially variable the snowpack can be.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates