Observation: Monte Cristo

Observation Date

1/15/2026

Observer Name

Kaufmann

Region

Ogden » Monte Cristo

Location Name or Route

Monte Cristo

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Little to no snow transport today given previous wind. At 12:30, temps at 9500' were just under freezing (-2C). Inversion was visible in Ogden Valley / Morgan, its upper extent looking to reach around 7500'.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

At 9500' in exposed, relatively flat terrain, surface crystals were Decomposing and Fragmented Particles, 1mm average, 2mm max. Boot pen was 45cm.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Small soft slabs have developed on W aspects along ridgelines from previous NNE winds. Where other areas of Ogden backcountry have between two or three crusts, I only noticed one weaker one in this zone capping pre-Christmas snow and residing below wind packed DFs and RGs.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Comments

My observations align with Champion & Maushund ob. from today.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Low

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Low

Coordinates

Observation: Monte Cristo

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