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Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Thursday morning, April 8, 2021
Today, the avalanche danger is LOW and avalanche conditions are generally safe. That doesn't mean no danger. Windy weather should help keep the snow from heating up too much, but some wet loose avalanches could happen. At upper elevations, watch for isolated slabs of wind drifted snow.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Yesterday's high temperatures were mostly in low 40s F. This morning temperatures are just above freezing which is about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday, but clear skies likely allowed the snow surface to refreeze. Winds from the west-southwest are blowing 3-8 mph while winds on James and Ogden peaks are blowing 18-24 mph.
Today will be sunny and warm again. However, there is a cold front passing through Idaho and Wyoming today. The main effect will be increased winds this afternoon which may help keep the snow from heating up too much. Temperatures should rise into the mid to upper 40s F. Winds at most ridgelines should increase a little and blow 10-20 mph generally from the west.
Recent Avalanches
There were no avalanches reported yesterday in the Ogden area mountains; however, there were a few soft slabs of wind drifted snow triggered by ski patrollers on Tuesday.

As always, find all recent observations HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The snow on most slopes became wet yesterday and the surface likely refroze overnight despite warm temperatures. It shouldn't take much warming today for the surface crust to melt, but winds today should help keep the snow from heating up too much.
The balance between sunshine, air temperatures, radiation, and wind all determine how warm and wet the snow becomes, and it is hard to know exactly how all those meteorological inputs will add up. The main point is to always expect some wet loose avalanches as the day heats up and to look for clues of a rising danger. Signs that wet avalanches will start happening include (1) seeing other small wet slides, (2) seeing snowballs roll downhill with increasing frequency, (3) seeing upper layers of snow become increasingly wet.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Searching for dry snow will take you to upper elevation, north facing slopes where some isolated slabs of wind drifted snow could be triggered. Most of these wind slabs have likely stabilized, but I would avoid large, obvious drifts and look for snow unaffected by those winds.
Additional Information
General Announcements
Please visit this website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.

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.