Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, April 3, 2020
The avalanche danger is Low and normal caution is advised. Watch for (1) cornice falls on upper-elevation aspects facing east with large cornices overhead, (2) wet snow avalanche activity on aspects facing east, through south, and west as the snow surface warms today, and (3) isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in exposed, upper-elevation terrain.

Pay attention to changing springtime conditions and evaluate terrain carefully.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

January 5, 2019 - Read this collection of 6 stories and a podcast about that day with a low avalanche danger, 8 skier triggered avalanches, four catch and carries...a partial and critical burial, and a trip to the emergency room.
Weather and Snow
Currently: Temperatures this morning range through the teens. Westerly winds - which have been moderate to strong over the past few days - are now very light, less than 10 mph. The skies are clear.
Today will be sunny with continued light winds out of the south, with gusts in the teens. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20's through mid 30's F.
Recent Avalanches
Drew was in the Snowbasin periphery on Thursday with Snowbasin patroller Jon Hall and Powder Mountain snow safety Nichole Dye where they witnessed an avalanche from a cornice fall (photo below). You can read his full observation here.
This makes three avalanches triggered from cornice falls over the past three days, including Tuesday's avalanche in Middle Bowl Cirque (observation) and Wednesday's in the Sister's/Strawberry area (photo 1) (photo 2).
You can read all recent observations - including avalanches - from the Ogden mountains by going here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The overall avalanche danger is Low, but travel in avalanche terrain is still not simple with three concerns for today:
1. Cornice Falls - Large cornices adorn the Ogden skyline, with three cornice falls over the past three days. The affected slopes are generally east-facing, just below ridge-lines, where large cornices loom overhead. Sunshine and warming temperatures may make these cornices increasingly sensitive today and into the weekend.
2. Wet Snow - You can expect some minor wet loose avalanche activity today on aspects facing east, through south, and west, as the strong April sun affects the snow surface. With the old snow surface solidly frozen and only a few inches of drier snow from Wednesday to work with, any wet activity should be small. However, in certain terrain (such as steep-sided gullies) the wet snow could be large enough to carry and/or partially bury you. Consider the consequences of your terrain if you find yourself on a solar aspect today.
3. Wind Drifted Snow - Several days of moderate to strong winds have created isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow at the upper elevations. Although these drifts can be found on all aspects, you are most likely to find them on slopes facing north through east. Any drifts you encounter are likely to be shallow (< 6"), but with a slick surface underneath, any avalanches may run fast and far in steep terrain.
Additional Information
Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.
New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.
General Announcements
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.