Avalanche forecast

Ogden

Issued Dec 8, 2024valid to Dec 9, 2024Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is LOW. With increased wind speeds last night and continuing through the day, evaluate snow and terrain carefully in locations where wind transported snow could accumulate and create wind slabs near ridgelines that may fail on a buried layer of facets. Stay away from thinner areas where you may find buried objects just under the snow surface.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Size
2
The persistent weak layer (PWL) making up most of the snowpack on the north side of the compass continues to lose strength. As we get new snow or wind, this structure is not going to be able to support much weight and will start to collapse. Take a look around and make note of what slopes, aspects, and elevations are and are not holding snow so you'll have an idea of locations to avoid once we get our next storm. Weak snow is also forming on the surface and you can learn more about surface hoar HERE. The question is whether or not the warmer temperatures and wind will destroy this surface weakness before it snows?

Special Announcement

The 17th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) was held last night at the University of Utah. Thanks to all the amazing speakers and full house of attendees for making it such a great event.

Recent Activity

There has been no recent avalanche activity. Check out all recent observations HERE.

Snow and Weather

Skies are partly cloudy with temperatures in the 30's °F at the trailheads and in the 20's °F at the upper elevations. Winds are blowing from the southeast in the mid teen's gusting to 20's MPH at the 8,000' ridgelines and from the west in the 20's gusting to the high 20's MPH at the 9,000' ridgelines. Today, look for increasing clouds. Temperatures will be 30-35 °F and dropping during the day with westerly winds blowing 5 gusting to 10 MPH at the 8,000' ridgelines and blowing from the west 20 gusting to 30 MPH at the 9,000' ridgelines. The freezing level will start around 10,000' and slowly drop throughout the day. There is a chance of snow on the horizon and we can look for 1"-3" of new snow and .05"-.20" of water by tomorrow morning. Snow depths throughout the forecast region are 12"-20" and many of the south and west aspects at lower elevations are back to dirt and wildflowers. JB's Photo from Thurston Peak shows us the snow coverage along the ridges.

Additional Info

While you're waiting for more snow, dive deeper into avalanche philosophy with Drew Hardesty HERE and HERE.

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