Avalanche forecast

Ogden

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Beginning today, we will be issuing daily avalanche forecasts.

The early-season snowpack is thin and immature, but avalanche activity is beginning. A MODERATE hazard exists across upper-elevation slopes where strong winds are depositing snow and building small but sensitive slabs over a weak and faceted base. The tricky part for those seeking early-season turns is that slopes with the best coverage are where the hazard is greatest. Keep that in mind as you venture out.

Wondering what grey means on the danger rose. We've left hazard off for now because coverage is thin and or non-existent.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Faceted snow is mainly found on shady aspects above 8,500 feet, though in the northern part of the zone, it may extend down closer to 8,000 feet. Even though October and November brought little snowfall, the snow that did fall lingered and turned into weak facets. This layer now sits at the base of our developing snowpack and will remain a concern for the foreseeable future.

    Recent snow and strong winds have built small but sensitive slabs on top of this weak layer. If you head into upper-elevation terrain, expect to encounter both hard and soft slabs wherever wind has deposited additional snow. These slabs may be slightly less reactive than yesterday, but use small, representative test slopes to check sensitivity as you travel.

    UAC Forecaster, Brooke Maushund, visited Ben Lomond last Thursday to view the extent of snow coverage before Sunday's storm view her video: Here.

Special Announcement

Avalanche Awareness Week started December 1! Events are happening daily across the state to prepare you for winter and encourage you to think about avalanche safety.

  • 12/3 -Know Before You Go at Weber State University Outdoor Programs - 6:30 pm
  • 12/4 - Know Before You Go at Weber County Library - 7 pm
  • 12/4 - Ogden Avalanche Backcountry Bash at The Monarch - 6 pm
  • 12/6 - The Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, with both in-person and virtual options available.

Find out about all our events HERE.

Recent Activity

Derek DeBruin had a solid observation from the Ogden mountains. He noted that snow is sparse across the Northern Wasatch, with the best coverage on shaded, higher-elevation terrain. South and sun-exposed slopes are mostly bare, and even the snow that is present is shallow and variable, especially on the ridges and upper bowls.

Debruin Photo of Ben Lomond.

Julian Berg snowpit from November 23 near Cutler Ridge is representative of the basal crust layer and facets above. (View the full observation here.)

Check out additional observations from across the range HERE.

Snow and Weather

Previous Pertinent Weather:

A small storm on November 30 brought an even coat of snow across the Northern Wasatch. Over the last 2 days, winds have been westerly with periods of strong winds, particularly at the ridge top. Temperatures have been cold in the teens to low twenties, but increase slightly today.

  • 6-10 inches of snowfall (0.7-1.0" Snow Water Equivalent)
  • 10-30 mph SW-W-NW
  • 15˚ to 25˚ at mid elevations ~8500'

Forecasted Weather:

Today, clouds will cover the sky as a small storm moves into the area from the North. Snow showers will begin mid to late afternoon and could produce 2-6 inches, with potential for more in favored locations. Winds should stay well behaved through the storm with 9000' wind speeds generally 10-25mph from the West and Northwest with the potential for an occasional strong gust into the 30's.

Additional Info

Early-season observations are very limited and extremely helpful. If you're getting out, please consider submitting an observation through our website or sending us an email. Your input is appreciated.

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.

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