Ogden

With this recent low density snow and wind events, human and natural triggered avalanches are possible on steep, shady upper elevation slopes, especially in wind drifted terrain.

REMEMBER that traumatic injury may compound any avalanche accident...and the cold temps will complicate any rescue. Best to take the long view in this early season.

We will update this advisory as conditions warrant.

We will provide an update as conditions warrant. Until we get more snow and more data, we are not issuing danger ratings.

We are posting observations every day now, so submit an avalanche or observation HERE. Read observations HERE.

Join us this weekend at the 12th annual Greatest Snow (and avalanche workshop) on Earth. Tickets still on sale for Pro, Motorized and Open Session. More info

Yesterday, in the Salt Lake area mountains, a skier triggered a small storm slab on Gunsight, which is within the boundaries of the closed Alta Ski Area. It was 14" deep and 5' wide at 10,100' on a Northeast aspect.

Video below.

Octobruary is in full swing and while the storm has passed, the cold temps are still lingering. Mountain temperatures in the Ogden area mountains are still hovering near zero into the single digits, and wind chill is near -15 to -20. Temperatures should be creeping up into the teens throughout the day. This most recent storm totals were variable, with about a foot of snow now on the ground at the Farmington and Monte Cristo Snotels, and 6" at Ben Lomond Trail and Peak. During the storm, there were 30 mph sustained winds on Mt Ogden, plenty strong enough to drift snow.

With the end of the recent storm event, the snow new snow is sitting on the ground in some spots, and on patchy old snow in others. The most likely place to trigger a small slide would be on an upper elevation, wind drifted slope. This early season snowpack has dramatic spatial variability and each slope should be assessed separately.

Weather Outlook:

The precipitation should be on hold for the remainder of the week, clear skies are expected with light winds and temps warming into the mid teens throughout the week.

If you go out, there are a few things to remember:

Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.

Avalanches are a possibility in upper elevation terrain.... It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner.

Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. Some are closed to uphill travel, others are open to uphill travel.

Resorts that allow uphill travel can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain. More info HERE but check with each resort for the latest info.

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.