Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, November 13, 2020
The avalanche danger is MODERATE with a risk of triggering a wind slab on all aspects at the upper elevations. Sluffing in the recent snow is also possible in the steepest terrain. Additionally, expect any new storm snow to be sensitive.
The avalanche danger will INCREASE overnight, with dangerous avalanche conditions expected by Saturday morning. Traumatic injury due to the early season conditions is likely with any - even minor - avalanche incident.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Covid and the Backcountry - Even in the backcountry and in parking lots, please follow CDC guidelines like limiting group size and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from other people to protect yourself and others. More info HERE.
Taking risks - Be extra conservative to avoid the risk of accidents which can stress the capacity of our medical system.
Weather and Snow
Snowpack Summary: At upper elevations in the Ogden mountains there exists 1-2' feet of snow from storms this past week. This snow fell on bare ground, with warmer/dense snow down near the ground, and colder, low-density snow on top. Along many exposed ridges, recent and fresh wind drifts can also be found.
Current Weather: Temperatures are in the mid 20's F and southwest winds have increased overnight, averaging in the teens with gusts in the mid 20's mph. Atop Mount Ogden winds are gusting in the 40's mph.
For today, temperatures will rise into the low to mid 30's, with increasingly strong southwest/west winds gusting in the 30's mph at the mid-elevations and in the 50's mph along the upper-most ridges. Skies will turn from partly to mostly cloudy, and snow beginning late afternoon, with a few inches of snow possible by sunset. But then things really get going into the overnight hours!
Overnight and into Saturday: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Wasatch mountains from 3 PM today until 4 PM Saturday with heavy snow and very strong winds. Snowfall totals of 12-18" are forecasted by Saturday afternoon, with locally higher amounts possible.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanches reported from the backcountry on Thursday.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Increasingly strong southwest and westerly winds will create fresh wind drifts at the upper elevations. Although these drifts are more likely to be found on leeward north and east aspects, strong winds can channel snow well down off of ridges and around terrain features, creating fresh wind drifts on any aspect. These drifts may be sensitive as they will be sitting on top of the existing cold/dry snow, creating a strong-over-weak snowpack structure.
Avoid slopes with obvious signs of wind-drifted snow, such as pillow-shaped slopes, cracking, and whoomphing. (Photo: Ashley Grevelink)
Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
In areas not impacted by the wind, sluffing in the existing cold/dry storm snow from this past week can still be expected in terrain approaching 40° and steeper. Although light snowfall is not forecasted to begin until late afternoon, if it does begin earlier or comes in heavier than expected, expect any storm snow to be sensitive.
Additional Information
There are a few things to remember:
  1. Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.
  2. Early season avalanches are a real possibility. It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner. Many people have died during early season snowstorms. Listen to our UAC podcast episode The Day of Madness in Little Cottonwood Canyon about a bad day in November 2011 when many avalanches were triggered, including a tragic fatality.
  3. Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. These closed resorts that allow uphill travel can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock-free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain. We will soon have an up to date resource on all the ski resorts individual policies.
Until more snow begins to fall, there are plenty of resources available to begin thinking about the season today:
  1. Check out the free online avalanche course material and e-learning materials available.
  2. Start looking at weather patterns in areas you plan to ski this upcoming winter. A full list of mountain weather stations can be found HERE.
  3. Freshen up on how to read the forecast page.
  4. Look over all of your gear and make sure everything is in good, working order.
  5. Sign up for an avalanche class! Get it on the schedule early.
Bonus Material! Listen to our podcast on Early Season Essentials with Bo Torrey
General Announcements
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
Observations and Avalanches
Backcountry Emergency Procedures
Instagram
Facebook
Get Forecast Email
Previous Forecasts
Contact via email
Submit Observation
< Previous forecast
Next forecast >