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Observation: North Ogden Divide

Observation Date
12/3/2024
Observer Name
Kelly
Region
Ogden » North Ogden Divide
Location Name or Route
North Ogden Divide
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Calm winds, clear skies, inverted temperatures. It felt warmer at higher elevation (7,500') than at the trailhead (6,200'). Trailhead temperatures at nearby UDOT weather station (6,189') was 42°F.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface was faceted loose at lower elevations and once I got above 6,900' in elevation the snow surface was damp. Snowpack height (HS) was consistent 10"-16" on north (northwest-north-northeast) facing aspects.
Photo of surface hoar on a north facing aspect at 6,300' in elevation.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
6,300'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
Total height of snow (HS ) was 16" (41cm). There were three distinctive crusts with facets in between. Snow surface was 1" (3cm) surface hoar. Weakest layer was 3" (8cm) from the ground below a crust. I got failure with propagation on this layer with an extended column test (ECTP13@8). What's saving us right now is that there is minimal slab on top of these weak layers. As soon as we see any additional snow ( either from storm snow or wind loading ) then things will change quickly and any of these faceted layers will likely be the weak layer that will create avalanches.
Photo of a quick hand pit on a northeast aspect at 6,800' in elevation.
Photo of previous wind loading on an east facing ridgeline at 7,500'
Below photos showing snow coverage from the North Ogden Divide. Bottom photo looking back towards the inversion over North Ogden.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates