Ogden lower bench traverse

Riding quality was:

Good

Snow conditions were:

• Deep powder
• Powder

We rode:

• Mellow slopes
• Open trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes
• Convex slopes
• Steep slopes

The day was:

• Cloudy
• Stormy

Avalanche conditions

• Slab avalanches today or yesterday.
• Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Small avalanche triggered while climbing through an isolated wind loaded feature. The crown was approximately 30-40 cm deep. Went on a recon mission to hopefully attempt mount Niles later in the season. (I wanted to see if the Ogden bench provided better access.) I would recommend hiking up the valley as this route feels less direct. I did not stayed in the trees on the edge of the bench as initial sign of instability did not favor alpine skiing. Skied a couple small tree laps off the East end of the bench, with 30-40 cm of blower powder. (many face shots)

I rammed the snowbank with my truck and re-opened up the PARKING LOT. Anyone with winter tires should be able to make it up, the key is having a spotter to get a good run up from the highway!