Forecast: Ogden Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Ogden Area Mountains

Issued by Brooke Maushund on
Saturday morning, January 10, 2026

MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all upper and mid-elevation slopes where you're likely to trigger sluffs (loose dry avalanches) and sensitive soft slabs of wind blown snow. You likely will not get warning signs—cracking and collapsing—before triggering these. Upper and mid-elevation slopes facing W-N-E are still harboring a persistent weak layer that can release deeper slides.

Buckle up for a busy day in the backcountry. Remember SAFE TRAVEL PROTOCOLS: ride one at a time, keep an eye on each other, and have a plan. We are just as much a risk to each other as we are to ourselves. Don't let emotions override good decision-making...there will be more days like this.

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Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

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Special Announcements

Be mindful of avalanche workers and SAR personnel - IF YOU TRIGGER an avalanche near a ski area, please report it to the ski patrol dispatch. Rescue personnel don’t want to be subjected to dangerous conditions if the scene is clear. More on this in Backcountry Emergency Protocols.

Snowbasin Resort Dispatch-(801-620-1017)

Powder Mountain Dispatch- (801-745-3772 ext 3).

Weather and Snow

Yesterday we all were relieved to see some fresh snow. Single (and sometimes negative) digit F temps kept fresh snow—over a foot in the mountains East of Eden—soft and light. Partly cloudy skies helped to preserve as many snow surfaces as possible, even into the dusk patrol hours—save some steep slopes. Light NW winds continued overnight, but are nothing to write home about.

This morning, skies are mostly clear, with temperatures in the single digits. Today is the type of day that got "Greatest Snow On Earth" on our license plates. Temps will rise just to the high teens F, with mostly clear skies, sun, light NW wind, and low-density powder.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Today with be a busy day in the Wasatch backcountry. There will be many people who, like you, also want to take advantage of conditions. We’re all in this together today, so, please, remember: we have a responsibility to one another to follow safe travel protocols.

Michael Davis rode out to the Monte Cristo area two days ago, as well as Mike Fogg yesterday. They found mostly stable snow.

UAC forecaster Greg Gagne toured up the Cutler Ridge on Tuesday and his report can be found HERE

Read all backcountry observations here.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Expect to be able to trigger loose, dry snow. These can run potentially run fast and far. Sluffs—while small—can knock you off your feet quite easily….be mindful of what you’re skiing over.

You may also be able to trigger soft slab avalanches of wind-drifted snow that may be surprisingly sensitive. These will be a bit harder to identify with the low density of the new snow—without any warning cracking or collapsing.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

While there are various structural interfaces of graupel, crusts, and damp facets near the bottom of the snowpack, we haven't heard of any reports of avalanches on these layers. There remains some uncertainty and as such I would recommend caution on any steep rocky terrain on the northerly aspects, particularly in the upper elevations.

Additional Information

Ian McCammon and Kelly McNeil's 2024 paper Six Tips That Could Save Your Life (Recent updates to Safety Messaging) is worth a re-read. It could save your life.

General Announcements

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