Observation: Ben Lomond

Observation Date

11/27/2025

Observer Name

Maushund

Region

Ogden » Ben Lomond

Location Name or Route

N. Ogden Divide > Ben Lomond > Willard Peak

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Cool and clear day on the Ogden Skyline. Temps started in the 20s F in the morning before the day warmed up to the 40s F by the early afternoon. Winds were calm before 10:00, but progressively picked up to moderate out of the SW by 11:00. Thin, broken cloud cover moved in from the SW by 15:00... which made for an excellent sunset on my exit.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

20"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Faceted Loose

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

Heading up from the N. Ogden Divide Trailhead to see how far we could get, patchy intermittent snow started near 7400'. Consistent coverage, though disconnected by plants, started near 8300', with 4-5 in of mostly faceted snow underlying a .25-.5 in wind crust on exposed ridgelines. Old snow can be found above 8300', with larger deposits lingering on E-NE-N slopes above 8700'.

As I made my way to the base of Ben Lomond along the ridge, snow coverage increased to 12". Heading up the slope, I found 2-4 in thick old unreactive wind deposits on N-NE-E aspects overlying 12-20" of faceted snow (see hasty profile photo). With the deposits being only moderately supportable, and at 5'2" tall, this made for some fun uphill training. We would have appreciated some skis on our feet!

Along the ridgeline from Ben Lomond to Willard, this same structure and effortful travel persisted—leading us to call it at the saddle, and head home for some Thanksgiving dinner.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

The weak snow that makes up the majority of the snowpack will pose a problem once buried by our next significant storm, whenever that may be. Slopes with coverage right now are the most likely to have persistent issues once winter arrives.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

9,100'

Slope Angle

26°

Comments

Willard Peak from Ben Lomond.

Looking south along the divide from Ben Lomond.

Slopes off the north side of Ben Lomond, near 9700', followed by general coverage working back south along the divide.

A sign that things aren't always as they seem, nor as we want—but they still can be sweet. We may be waiting on winter, but there's no excuse not to enjoy the hills in the meantime.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Low

Coordinates

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