Ogden

For today we have a LOW avalanche danger throughout the mountains of Northern Utah. A LOW avalanche danger means that we generally have safe avalanche conditions. Watch for and avoid unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

As always, carry a transceiver, probe, shovel, and have a partner when in the backcountry. Practice safe travel protocol by only exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain.

HEADS UP: Avalanche conditions will be rapidly changing over the next few days, with new snow and increased winds the weak snow sitting on Northerly facing terrain will become an issue. When the snowfall does come, the areas that have enough snow to enjoyably ride will be exactly where the problem is.

This week is the third annual avalanche awareness week here in Utah. There is a lot going on with over 20 different events around the state. You can find all the events HERE.

No new avalanches have been reported from the backcountry. However, two recent avalanche accidents have led to tragedy in both Canada and Austria.

Catch up on the recent observations found HERE.

Under mostly clear skies, there is an inversion in the mountains. Temperatures range from the mid-20s F° at lower elevations, to upper-20s F° at upper elevations. Winds have transitioned to west-south-west and are now blowing at speeds of 5-15 mph at mid-elevations and near 40 mph at upper elevation ridgelines.

Today, a winter storm system will begin moving its way into Northern Utah. Temperatures will climb into the low-30s F°, and winds will remain southwesterly averaging 10-20 mph at mid-elevations, with gusts up to 45 mph at the highest ridgelines.

Tonight, high-density snow will begin to develop with a mild Southwest flow. By early Thursday morning winds will transition from the south-west to west-north-westerly and with that switch, will come lower density snow and cooler temps. The heaviest snowfall rates will be Thursday morning through early Thursday afternoon. The storm totals are still looking optimistic, with us expecting 7-14" by Friday evening. Keep your fingers crossed.

Unfourently, the past 13 days of no new snow has made the riding and turning conditions pretty heinous. Still, one with a strong will can find soft snow in the most wind and sun-protected terrain; otherwise, it's crusts, dirt, and rocks.