Ogden

The avalanche danger is generally LOW, but recent avalanche activity is a reminder that avalanches are still possible. There remains the isolated chance for triggering an avalanche that breaks 1-2' deep into faceted snow, especiallyat the mid and upper elevations. The most likely place to trigger an avalanche would be in steep, wind loaded, unsupported terrain, that faces northwest through southeast. Continue to approach recent wind drifted slopes with caution, and consider the consequences of getting caught in any slide.

Safe travel protocol is key: make a plan, communicate, ride slopes one-at-a-time, and keep eyes on your partner at all times.

There were no avalanches reported from the Ogden area mountains on Sunday. Further south, a skier-triggered avalanche occurred on Mill Canyon Peak in American Fork Canyon. This was on east-facing slope at 9200'. This slope had been wind-loaded, and the slide broke down 18-36" deep and an estimated 125' wide, likely failing on a layer of faceted snow that formed the first few days of January. The slide was triggered by the 5th skier on the slope, but fortunately no one was caught or carried.

Although it has been quiet in the Ogden mountains, there were two close calls on Saturday to our south and north. One was on the Skyline as a rider triggered a large slab avalanche that was on a heavily wind loaded slope (observation), and another in the Logan area mountains (observation). Both occurred on wind-loaded slopes that had previous tracks, failing in weaker faceted snow.

You can find observations from the Ogden mountains by clicking here.

Skies are partly cloudy and a temperature inversion with mid and upper elevation temperatures in the 20's F, but in the teens in lower, elevation drainage bottoms. Winds are out of the south/southeast, and have increased somewhat overnight. They are currently averaging 5-15 mph, with gusts into the 20’s and low 30’s at some mid and upper elevation stations.

Another day of beautiful - albeit boring - weather with mountain temperatures in the 20's and low 30's F. Winds will be out of the south/southeast, and generally light, with some gusts in the 20's mph along upper elevation exposed ridges. Skies will be mostly sunny, with a few high clouds passing by from time to time. We can expect to return to a more active weather pattern beginning Tuesday.

The recent spell of clear weather has weakened the snow surface, with several Ogden-area observers finding a fine crop of feathery surface hoar crystals growing in the low and mid elevations. These crystals are beautiful to observe, but very dangerous if buried. With snow likely this coming week, we will want to watch if this layer gets buried by any storm snow. (Photo Jonathan Melton)

On Saturday my regular touring partners and I decided to skip a run and instead use the time to practice companion rescue techniques. This included beacon searches and strategic shoveling. Time yourselves, and improve with each time you practice. You are accountable to your partners, and those waiting when you return home. Unsure of how to conduct a rescue or feeling a bit rusty, take a companion rescue course!

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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.