There is a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger in upper-elevation terrain where it will be possible for humans to trigger a wind-drifted snow avalanche that could be up to 1' deep and 150' wide. The avalanche danger is MODERATE in all other terrain where natural avalanches are less likely, but human triggered avalanches are possible. The catch today will be whether the warm March sun or the wind has more effect on the snow surface. Prepare to adapt your tour plan based on your observations and be on the lookout for and avoid wind-drifted snow problems at higher elevations and wet snow at mid and low elevations.
The March sun is strong. Regardless of air temperatures and wind speeds we could see wet loose avalanches, roof slides, and get a gloppy snow surface on southerly facing slopes and in lower elevation north facing terrain.
There is new snow at all elevations that is primed for transport. With increased wind speeds today, you may see drifting snow lower on the slope than you expect. Keep an eye out for cracking, collapsing, new cornice buildup or pillowy wind loaded features. If you see these signs then avoid traveling on or underneath slopes with wind-drifted snow.
Yesterday, there were a few avalanches reported from the Ogden Forecast Region involving new and wind-drifted snow. There was a skier triggered soft slab from Bailey Spring, a wind-drifted snow avalanche reported from North Fork and a soft slab cornice triggered avalanche from the North Ogden Divide. Photo (Kevin B) of a wind-drifted snow avalanche on an east facing slope at 6,000'.
Check out all recent avalanches and observations HERE.
Currently, under partly cloudy skies trailhead temperatures are in the 20's °F and the higher weather stations are in the teen's °F. Winds are blowing from the south in the teen's gusting to the 40's MPH at the lower ridgelines and from the southwest in the 30's gusting to the 40's at the higher ridgelines. We have had 4" to 6" of snow in the last 24-hours which brings storm totals to 15"-20" of snow and 1.50"-2.2" of water weight. Today, look for partly cloudy skies with light snow possible. Temperatures will rise to the mid 40's °F. Winds will blow from the southwest at the lower ridgelines 20 gusting to 30 MPH and at the highest peaks 35 gusting to 45 MPH and increasing in speed later this afternoon with gusts into the 60's MPH.
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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.
