Avalanche forecast

Ogden

Issued Apr 4, 2023valid to Apr 5, 2023Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is HIGH. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural and human triggered avalanches are very likely.

Avoid all avalanche terrain. This includes underneath steep terrain. Avalanches will run fast and far today.

Avalanche problems

Storm Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Almost Certain
Size
3
It's no secret or surprise: natural and human triggered avalanches are very likely in steep terrain of all aspects. Avoid all avalanche terrain. This includes being under avalanche paths.

***I am certain that we will see avalanches within the new snow and some of these avalanches will be large and long running. The great uncertainty lies in whether some of these avalanches will step down into older storm snow from the past week or two. Regardless, the travel advice is the same - Avoid being on or beneath steep terrain.
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Almost Certain
Size
3
Moderate to strong winds from the west-northwest will also tip the scales. Natural and human triggered avalanches will again be very likely. Avoid all avalanche terrain. This includes being under avalanche paths.

CORNICES have grown unruly and may calve off naturally. These may then trigger larger avalanches on the steep slope below.

Avalanche Warning

What

The avalanche danger for the warning area will be HIGH today.

When

In effect from 6am MST this morning to 6am MST Wednesday

Where

For the mountains of Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho including the Wasatch Range, Bear River Range, and Uinta Mountains..

Impacts

Recent heavy accumulations of snow and drifting have created widespread areas of unstable snow. Long running natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. People should avoid being in backcountry avalanche terrain, (off of and out from under slopes steeper than 30°), and stay clear of avalanche runouts.

Recent Activity

Ski areas yesterday reported widespread and sensitive but shallow long running soft slab and loose snow avalanches. One backcountry observer noted a large natural (possibly cornice fall triggered) avalanche on the Ben Lomond headwall 3' deep at 300' wide.

Check out all observations HERE.

Snow and Weather

Blockbuster. And it's still snowing.

Overnight snow totals are 10-18" with storm totals now up to 26".

Mountain temperatures are in the single digits to low teens.

Winds, as foretold, ramped up overnight from the west-northwest, blowing 25-30mph with gusts to 44. Mid elevation anemometers are blowing 30 with gusts to 45.

We'll see continued periods of heavy snowfall today with perhaps an additional 6-12" or so, although amounts may vary widely. Snowfall will continue through tomorrow morning.

Mountain temps will be in the single digits to low teens. Winds from the west-northwest will lose some steam, but I view them as excellent wind slab building material.

We dry out mid to late week with a warming trend on tap for the weekend.

Additional Info

Toby Weed, our forecaster for the Logan and SE Idaho zones, came down to take some video footage of Friday's avalanches near the north Ogden Divide. Watch it below -

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