Avalanche forecast

Ogden

Issued Apr 19, 2020valid to Apr 20, 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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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 is the last regularly scheduled avalanche forecast for the season. We will issue updates with any measurable snowfall through the rest of April but will not issue danger ratings. Thank you to everyone for a great season.

The danger for wet avalanches is MODERATE on steep easterly to south to westerly facing aspects, as well as low and mid-elevation northerly aspects. Avoid steep terrain when the snow is wet, punchy, and unconsolidated. Wet, concrete-like debris may pile up deeply in terrain traps and below steep, sustained terrain.

There is a MODERATE hazard for triggering an isolated wind slab on upper elevation northerly aspects, as well as fresh cornice falls.

Avalanche problems

Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
A poor overnight refreeze should lead to wet avalanche activity on all but upper elevation northerly aspects. Increased cloud cover may limit activity, but filtered sunshine may quickly warm the snowpack, with human-triggered and isolated natural wet snow avalanches possible. If clouds build up earlier than forecasted, these solar aspects may not soften that much. Additionally, greenhousing and possible rain may induce wet avalanche activity on low elevation northerly aspects.

Fortunately, managing the wet snow avalanche problem is pretty simple - if the snow starts becoming damp, move to a cooler aspect or lower-angled terrain.
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Size
2
This section includes isolated areas of lingering soft slab instabilities, fresh wind drifts up high, and cornice falls. These all warrant some mention for extra caution in the higher elevations, particularly in steep, unforgiving terrain. As Derek mentioned in his report from Friday, cornices still need to be given the proper respect and margin/distance near the ridgelines. Warming temperatures may make these large cornices even more sensitive.

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.

Recent Activity

No backcountry avalanche activity was reported from the Ogden mountains on Saturday.

Snow and Weather

Currently: Temperatures are in the upper 20's F through mid 30's F. Winds are out of the southwest and are generally light, less than 10 mph, with gusts in the low 30's mph at the highest elevations. Skies are partly-cloudy.

For today, increasing clouds with snow showers developing in the afternoon, including a chance of thunder. The rain/snow line may rise to 8,000'. Temperatures will rise into the 40's F and westerly winds should remain light, with gusts in the teens, with slightly higher speeds atop Mount Ogden. It is possible isolated areas may pick up a trace to 2" of dense snow and graupel out of any snow shower activity today.

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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures