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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Thursday morning, March 18, 2021
Today the avalanche danger is LOW and avalanches are unlikely. HOWEVER, conditions can change quickly in the spring. Watch for any sudden change in the snowpack especially if it seems to rapidly become very wet and unsupportable. This sudden change means that the likelihood of wet avalanches is increasing.
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Weather and Snow
Yesterday's high temperatures reached the upper 30s and low 40s F. Clouds began building yesterday afternoon and helped limit heating of the snowpack.
This morning, temperatures are hovering a few degrees either side of freezing. Southerly winds are blowing 5-15 mph.
Today mid and upper level clouds will provide some shading from the strong spring sunshine. Temperatures will warm into the upper 30s and low 40s F. Winds will continue from the south and be light in most areas. Looking ahead, Friday should have very warm weather ahead of a cold front arriving Friday night and bringing decent snowfall on Saturday.
The snow has been through several melt freeze cycles. It may be only barely refrozen this morning and will soften quickly this morning.
Recent Avalanches
No avalanches were reported yesterday.
Find all observations and reported avalanches HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
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Description
Spring weather changes quickly and so can avalanche conditions. This morning the snow will soften and melt quickly as the day heats up. Because it has been through several cycles of melting and refreezing, there should be minimal loose wet snow avalanches today. There is some dry snow remaining on steep north facing slopes at upper elevations; however, many upper elevation slopes were affected by strong winds last weekend. In these places there is small chance you could trigger a slab of wind drifted snow.
Heads up: The top layer of snow should be refrozen this morning, but there may be snow up to a foot deep that remains warm and wet. Watch out today if snow conditions seem to change drastically in a short time. If the snow suddenly becomes a lot less supportable, there's a good chance wet avalanches can start happening. Brian Smith found good conditions until about noon yesterday near North Ogden Divide.
Usually when the snow becomes so wet that riding conditions have deteriorated, its a sign that the likelihood of wet avalanche is increasing. At that point, it's time to either go home or go to aspects where the snow isn't as wet.
Additional Information
General Announcements
Please visit this website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.
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.
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