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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Monday morning, December 30, 2019
Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE at upper elevations where some soft slabs of wind drifted snow exist.
The avalanche danger at mid and low elevations is LOW and avalanche conditions are generally safe.
Most slopes have great powder and are unaffected by recent northerly winds. The new snow is so light that it may sluff on the steepest slopes. Despite the generally safe conditions, some amount of avalanche danger always exists. Carry rescue gear, only expose one person at a time, and keep eyes on your partners from a safe location while they are in avalanche terrain.
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Weather and Snow
Since yesterday another few inches of very light snow fell. Temperatures remain cold but are a lot warmer than yesterday morning. At nearly all elevations temperatures are near 15 degrees F. Winds are light and only blowing 5 mph from the W and NW at ridgelines (even on Ogden Peak winds are only blowing 5 mph)
Today will remain mostly cloudy with a little bit of very light snow falling in the morning. Temperatures today should rise into the 20s F and winds will remain very light. Low level clouds should remain in place most of today but there should be clearing of high clouds by afternoon. If you're at upper elevations this afternoon, you could see some sunshine.
Riding conditions are about as good as they get with a few inches of very light new snow falling each of the last few days. Some surface hoar was buried recently but it has very soft snow above and below it and shouldn't become an avalanche problem. Cloudy skies, cold temperatures, and light winds in many places have all preserved great powder. Looking ahead more snow and strong winds should arrive Wednesday afternoon. Total snow amounts from Weds to Thursday should be 1-2 feet.
Recent Avalanches
On Saturday on Ben Lomond Peak, skiers found predictable wind drifting and cracking of these fresh slabs (video below).
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The main avalanche problem today is soft slabs of wind drifted snow found mostly at upper elevations. These wind slabs were created by increased northerly winds during the last two days, and they are not a widespread problem. Most slopes were not affected by winds and just have light powder which may sluff because it is so light and cohesionless.
General Announcements
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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.
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