Ogden

Avalanche problems

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  3

  Most avalanche activity on this persistent weak layer has been on northerly facing terrain. This layer DOES exist at other aspects and elevations and it could begin producing avalanches when it gets loaded by a series of storms this week.

  The places that are of most concern to me are the areas that had a stronger snowpack (extended column tests of with propagation in the high 20's). These are the slopes that will hold more water weight before they avalanche much wider and deeper. These will be unsurvivable avalanches. The uncertainty lies with how quickly or slowly we get new precipitation. Stay off of and out from under slopes over 30 degrees as the current snowpack adapts to the new snow.

  There is more snow at lower elevations in the Ogden areas mountains and the potential for wet slab avalanches exists if rain percolates to the weak faceted snow.

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  2

  Expect to see slabs of wind drifted snow building as snow falls today and the wind blows strong from the south and southwest. Winds are even moving some snow at mid elevations. I would avoid any steep wind drifted slope where you could trigger one of these wind slabs.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  2

  There is a high level of uncertainty with the rain/snow line. As this freezing level fluctuates I wouldn't be surprised to hear of wet loose avalanches at mid and low elevation areas later in the afternoon. Temperatures hovering at or above freezing for the last 24 hours gives me cause for concern on how well this low elevation snowpack will handle this onslaught of rain. There may be places where it melts it out and the only change is rising creek levels.

  If I was traveling through this lower elevation rain soaked terrain I would avoid any location where I was sinking through the snowpack to the ground. These will be slow moving avalanches- but could pack enough of a punch to ruin your season.