Forecast: Ogden Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Issued by Dave Kelly on
Monday morning, January 30, 2023

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on upper elevations for wind-drifted surface snow. The avalanche danger is MODERATE for new snow avalanches running on small grained facets now buried 1-2' below the surface at mid and upper elevations. The avalanche danger is LOW in lower elevation terrain. Expect to see dry loose avalanches in steep terrain and on any solar warmed slopes.

Cold temperatures may keep natural activity at bay today, however human triggered avalanches are still likely in upper elevation terrain. There is world-class riding to be had on lower angle slopes and I will be assessing the new/old snow interface before traveling onto terrain approaching 35 degrees.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

Learn how to read the forecast here

Weather and Snow

Under partly cloudy skies temperatures are hovering around 0 F. Winds are blowing lightly from the west at the 8,000' ridgelines and blowing from the west 15 gusting to 20 MPH at the 9,000' ridgelines. Last night 1-2" of low-density snow fell. Today, winds will blow from the northwest 15 MPH gusting to 20 MPH at the 8,000' ridgelines and 20 gusting to 30 MPH at the 9,000' ridgelines. Skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures 11-15 F.

Recent Avalanches

As of this morning we have had 27 avalanche reports from the Ogden, Salt Lake, and Provo regions from Saturday and Sunday with more slowly trickling in. There are some great observations and we appreciate everyone that takes the time to share what they see. Check out all observations HERE.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Although wind speeds have dropped this morning there is still low-density new snow available for transport. Watch for cracking in the surface snow and avoid smooth rounded pillowy features below ridge tops and on the leeward side of gullies. Any slopes with large overhanging cornices will be a sign that the slope below has seen recent wind loading and has the potential to avalanche with the additional weight of an ascending or descending rider.

Wind-drifted snow on Cutler Ridge (Video-Joe)

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Loose dry avalanches are possible in steep terrain at all elevations. Watch for warming on solar aspects at mid and low elevations and avoid traveling underneath these slopes as loose dry avalanches may entrain enough snow to push you over a cliff band or into trees. Greg found a weakness at the old/new snow interface on Rodeo Ridge yesterday. This instability should settle out in the next few days. There were reports of buried facets at this new/old interface which will take a few more days to settle out. A great test for this often hidden weakness is the shovel tilt test.

Photo-Gagne

Additional Information

Mark and I discuss this weekend's avalanche activity and forecaster mindset in this video.

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