Avalanche forecast

Ogden

Issued Mar 28, 2020valid to Mar 29, 2020Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of MODERATE danger exist at the upper elevations where avalanches 1-2' are possible. By the afternoon, wet sluffs may be possible on steep sunlit slopes.

The best and safest riding exists on low angle sun and wind sheltered slopes.

Avalanche problems

Storm Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Size
2
Many people found stable snow yesterday: Nikki and Pat as well as Derek Debruin and others found stable snow along the Cutler ridge. You can find their observations in the menu above. Similarly, many people rode steep lines without incident. When we investigated the No Name avalanche yesterday, we found that it avalanched on an admittedly hard to detect weak layer associated with last weekend's or early week's crusts. We did not find this weakness anywhere else....and this should give pause to the backcountry traveler: there were no signs of cracking, collapsing, or similar types of avalanches. And yet an avalanche occurred at an interface that - in similar fashion - caused problems for backcountry skiers/riders in the central Wasatch. I would rate this as low probability, high consequence.

The simplest and safest solution is to ride slopes less than 30 degrees in steepness.
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Size
2
Pockets of wind slab may still be found along the higher terrain...or to the lee of other terrain features. Mike Fogg and companion intentionally triggered a soft slab just beyond a wind lip in the Monte Cristo area. These may be spotty in nature but avoided in the upper elevation north to east to south facing slopes. Cracking is a sign of local instability.

Special Announcement

If you rely on the UAC forecasts each day you get out, consider making a donation during our Spring Awareness Campaign to help us continue providing the avalanche forecasts and education you rely on. The UAC encourages everyone to follow direction from federal, state, city and county officicals. The following is from Joe Dougherty, spokesman for the Utah Division of Emergency Management:

Though outdoor recreation is still permitted under the governor’s Stay Safe/Stay Home directive, we recommend that people maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.

Be extra cautious to avoid injuries outdoors. We are working with our hospital systems to conserve as much personal protective equipment as possible in case of hospitalizations.

Most outdoor injuries can be prevented. Know the conditions and know your limits so you don’t end up in a hospital.

Recent Activity

Two very close calls occurred yesterday in the closed-for-the-season Snowbasin resort. Remember that ski areas are not doing control work and must be treated as the backcountry.

The first involved a skier caught and carried in the Mt Ogden chute. This was a new wind slab at 9400', east facing. INFO

The second was a very close call in the No Name area on a generally east to northeast facing slope at 8600'. INFO. Video below.

Snow and Weather

Skies are overcast with light snowfall in the mountains. So far we've seen about a trace to two inches overnight. Winds are out of the west, blowing 10-15mph. Winds along the Ogden crest are blowing 20mph with gusts to 25. Temps are in the mid to upper 20s. We may see another inch or so before turning partly cloudy by afternoon. Winds should lose steam and become light from the west and southwest.

We have another weak system for tomorrow and another quick hitter Tuesday.

Skiing and riding conditions are excellent on mid and upper elevation north-facing slopes with an inch of sucker snow on the crusted east to south to west facing terrain.

Additional Info

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

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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures