Ogden
Avalanche danger
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
Highlights
The avalanche danger is LOW and normal caution is advised. The three things to watch for today are (1) wet avalanches on all aspects as the snow surface warms throughout the day (2) unpredictable large glide avalanches in very specific places and (3) large cornices breaking back farther than expected along the ridgelines. Pay attention to changing springtime conditions, if the skies clear and the snow surface becomes rapidly damp the avalanche danger could increase to MODERATE on steep solar slopes.
Special Announcement
The Avalanche Research Program at Simon Fraser University is conducting an online survey to examine how people use avalanche safety information. They want to hear from all backcountry users to understand how they process information provided in public avalanche forecasts. Anyone who completes the survey before May 15th will be entered to win cash prizes. Uncertainty, Risk, & Decision Making: before, during, and after COVID-19 - Read this thought-provoking blog post about how we take risks by guest author Tom Diegel.
Recent Activity
Wet snow - Multiple signs of wet snow reported in the backcountry, including roller balls, pinwheels and easily triggered small wet-loose avalanches. Some of this natural activity was observed midday yesterday on Mt. Ogden on a North-East aspect at 9300'.
Glide Avalanches - Yesterday there was evidence of multiple Glide Avalanches that were reported in the backcountry. In the Ogden area, glide activity was seen above North Ogden from I-15. In the Central Wasatch, multiple glide avalanches were reported. One of these glide avalanches was reported in Stairs Gulch. The other two glide avalanches were reported in Broads Fork on Bonkers and Blue Ice.
Glide activity as seen above North Ogden from I-15 (Photo: Weed)
This occurs when a previously open glide crack releases and the entire snowpack slides as a unit to the ground. While these tend to be unpredictable, multiple occurring within a small time frame indicates conditions are currently suitable for these to release.
Find the full observation page HERE.
Snow and Weather
This morning under mostly clear skies the mountain temperatures range from the low to upper 30s F. Winds are south-easterly and lightly blowing 0-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph at mid-elevations. Upper elevation winds are 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph.
Today will bring increased cloud cover and eventually scattered showers this afternoon. Temperatures should climb into the 40s and low 50s F. Winds will become easterly and continue to be light, gusting up to 30 mph at the highest elevations. This increased moisture could bring 1-2 inches of snow to the Ogden area before more dry weather tomorrow.
Another night of clear skies, near-freezing temperatures, and low relative humidity will have allowed for a generally good overnight refreeze at mid and upper elevations, leaving a firm supportable riding surface at these elevations this morning.
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
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.