Ogden Area Avalanche Awareness

In addition to Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, and Nordic Valley ski areas, the Ogden area boasts an abundance of backcountry terrain. DO NOT ATTEMPT backcountry excursions without proper training and gear (beacon, probe, shovel, etc.) and always check the latest avalanche forecast from the Utah Avalanche Center as well as current weather forecasts that include the possibility of snow or wind.

Since avalanche fatalities began being recorded in Utah, 16 people have perished in Ogden’s backcountry including skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and hikers. Remain hyper-vigilant when accessing any backcountry areas in the Wasatch Mountains and never go into the backcountry alone.

Avalanche awareness courses are offered in multiple locations around northern Utah nearly every week throughout the winter. Click here to find current course schedules and locations.

Ogden Avalanche offers multiple free livestreams, clinics and classes throughout the year. You can find their schedule here.

They also offer more advanced training from local avalanche pros in conjunction with the Weber State University Outdoor Rec Program.

Since you’re reading this on an electronic device, pop over to kbyg.org and begin your avalanche education with a Know Before You Go course. Understanding what avalanches are, how they form, where they occur, and how to avoid them can save your life. Even if you have no intention of exploring the backcountry, avalanche education is valuable for anyone and everyone living in, visiting, or traveling through the Wasatch Mountains.

Restrict yourself to slopes below 30 degrees and don’t be above, below, or connected to slopes greater than 30 degrees.

Never duck a ski area boundary rope, even if tracks indicate that others have.

Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything that avalanche forecasters should know about, please share your observations. You can also call Ogden Avalanche at (989) 506-9718, email kory@ogdenavalanche.org, or include #otownavy #ogdenavalanche in your Instagram.

To get help in an emergency (to request a rescue) in the Wasatch, call 911.

If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry, but no one is hurt and you do not need assistance, please notify the nearest ski area dispatch to avoid a needless response by rescue teams.

Snowbasin Resort Dispatch (801-620-1017),
Powder Mountain Dispatch (801-745-3772 x 123)