Avalanche forecast

Ogden

Issued Apr 7, 2020valid to Apr 8, 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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations and aspects. On upper elevation, northerly facing slopes with dry snow, triggering slabs of wind drifted snow is possible. On all other slopes, loose wet avalanches will become possible as the snow warms and becomes wet today.

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
If you're looking for dry snow, it exists on the highest elevation, north-facing slopes, BUT these slopes are ones where you may find a few shallow, soft slabs of wind drifted snow from the last two days of very strong south winds. CORNICES - Cornices in some places are massive. These monsters are unpredictable especially during warm weather when they start bending downhill. Avoid being under or near the tops of large cornices.
Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
1
Strong sunshine and warm air temperatures today should quickly warm the snow surface. As the snow becomes wet and loses cohesion, loose wet avalanches will be possible. Slopes with exposed rocks tend to heat up the most as rocks readily absorb solar radiation and add additional heat to the surrounding snow. These areas may produce some wet loose avalanches naturally.

Pay attention to how wet the snow becomes. The wetter it becomes the more likely it will be for wet avalanches to occur. Also watch for pinwheels and rollerballs tumbling downhill. Seeing more and more of these balls of snow roll downhill indicates that the likelihood of wet avalanches is increasing. Avoid being in creek bottoms or gullies as the snow gets wet because even small avalanches can be deadly in these confined areas.

The photo below shows a small rock band yesterday that warmed and caused roller balls of snow to fall downhill.

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Recent Activity

No avalanches have been reported in the Ogden area mountains.

Snow and Weather

This morning temperatures are mostly in the 30s F with the freezing level near 8500 ft. Ridgetop winds are blowing 15 mph from the southwest and gusting 20-30 mph.

Today will have mostly sunny skies and temperatures approaching 50 degrees F. Winds may decrease some this afternoon and a few clouds may build and drop a trace of snow.

Additional Info

Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

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

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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