Ogden Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Brett Kobernik

BOTTOM LINE

Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)


Danger Rose Tutorial

The avalanche danger will be on the rise and may reach Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) range for stubborn wind drifts along the northerly facing ridgelines. Human triggered avalanches are likely. Mid elevations may also be in this category if you come across areas where the wind has transported snow. The danger will be on the rise during the day today and will most likely spike and reach it’s height late this afternoon into this evening. Keep in mind that the danger can spike rapidly during periods of intense snowfall.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Southerly or southeast winds have continued in the moderate to strong category and if anything have increased over the last 24 hours. Temperatures are mild with most stations in the mid 20s to around 30. The Ogden area has only received a couple of inches out of this storm as of this morning.

RECENT ACTIVITY

No reports were submitted from the Ogden area backcountry but snow safety at the ski resorts did report fresh drifts and some sensitive wind slabs on Sunday

THREAT #1
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Wind slabs will be the biggest concern again today but will behave a bit differently is my guess. I suspect they will be more stubborn but pack more of a punch if you trigger one. Without them being as sensitive and giving you instant feedback, it’s easy to get lured into terrain that you think won’t slide because you haven’t seen any activity. As the day goes on and snow starts, it’ll continue to get drifted into fresh drifts. The most likely places are west through north through east facing slopes especially along ridges. You’ll need slopes of 35 degrees or steeper as well.

THREAT #2
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

I’m continuing to mention deep slabs today. It’s unlikely that anyone will be “monkeying” around in areas where this is a concern but remember that this wind event is loading some slopes big time and I won’t be surprised to hear of a natural avalanche that’s broke into older weak layers. Higher north facing wind loaded terrain is the most likely spots for a deep slab release.

THREAT #3
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Watch the new snow as it falls. It probably won’t pose much threat until late this afternoon but be aware of any periods of intense snowfall where the danger will spike.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER

We’ll see mostly cloudy skies with snow and gusty southerly winds today. Snow flurries may start this morning but the bulk of it will fall this afternoon and into tonight. Winds continue to be annoying in the moderate to strong range from a southerly direction still with possibly a little east to it. They switch more west and decrease tonight. Temperatures should gradually cool during the day. Unstable air remains in place through Tuesday which is favorable for lingering snowfall. Models are generating ¾ to an inch and a ¼ of water which makes me think we should see an average of 8 to 12 inches total with a bit more possible in the most favored areas.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry - especially if you are adjacent to a ski area – please call the following teams to alert them to the slide and whether anyone is missing or not. Rescue teams can be exposed to significant hazard when responding to avalanches, and do not want to do so when unneeded. Thanks.

Salt Lake – Alta Central (801-742-2033)

Ogden – Snowbasin Patrol Dispatch (801-620-1017)

Provo – Sundance Patrol Dispatch (801-223-4150)

Discount Lift tickets: Ski Utah, Backcountry.com, Alta, Deer Valley, Park City, The Canyons, Wolf Mountain, Snowbasin, Beaver Mountain, Brighton, Sundance, and Solitude have donated a limited number of tickets for sale.

Wasatch Powderbird Guides flight plan.

Dawn Patrol Forecast Hotline, updated by 05:30: 888-999-4019 option 8.

Daily observations are frequently posted by 10 pm each evening.

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UDOT canyon closures UDOT at (801) 975-4838

You have the opportunity to participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting avalanche and snow observations. You can also call us at 801-524-5304 or 800-662-4140, or email by clicking HERE

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The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

We will update this forecast tomorrow morning. Thanks for calling.

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done.  This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

This advisory provided by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with:

The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, Utah Division of Emergency Management, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority and the friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center. See our Sponsors Page for a complete list.