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| HISTORY
| GEOGRAPHY | WILDLIFE
| CLIMATE | DEMOGRAPHICS
| BUSINESS |
HISTORY
The
first written account of the Ogden Valley was by Peter Skeene
Ogden, a brigade leader with the Hudson's Bay Company. In
1825 Ogden led an expedition into the region now known as
northern Utah. An abundance of wild life drew trappers
and mountain men into the area and the Ogden Valley became an
important source for pelts and skins. Mormon scouts
explored the valley starting in 1848. Then, in 1860 the
first permanent settlement was established by seven families
from the Salt Lake valley.
The Ogden Valley is the site of the first free public school
in the state of Utah. The oldest tavern in Utah, the
"Shooting Star" is located here and has been
recognized for having the "Best Hamburger in the
West". During World War II the Ogden Valley
had more men per capita enlist in the armed services than any
other place in the United States.
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GEOGRAPHY
The
Ogden Valley is nested within the Wasatch Mountains
approximately ten miles East of the City of Ogden and
forty-five miles North of Salt Lake City. The valley is
dominated by the three major mountain peaks, which surround
the area. Monte Cristo, Mount Ogden and Ben Lomond all
tower above nine thousand feet and are snow capped for most of
the year. The nearly three thousand acres of Pine View
Reservoir occupy the center of the valley and provide
facilities for all types of water sports including the area's
best year-round fishing.
A vast number of various vegetative types prevail throughout
the valley, riparian areas, meadows, forests and moraine. In
the Fall the maple, oak and aspen forests are ablaze with
autumn colors.
As Spring comes into being, the countryside turns a vivid lush
green as the plant life re-awakens from winter's slumber.
At 4900 ft. above sea level, Ogden Valley is easily accessible
through year-round mountain passes.
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WILDLIFE
The
private and public lands, which comprise the Ogden Valley,
abound with native wildlife. The parks, wildlife management
areas, and stream basins are habitat to a variety of Rocky
Mountain fauna. It is common to see deer, moose, porcupines,
eagles, grouse and beaver damming activity. Over ten thousand
acres of the valley have been set aside to protect critical
watershed and wildlife habitat. This is prime winter range for
deer, elk and moose. Bald eagles also winter here. Year round
access to this protected area is permitted to hikers,
horseback riders and cross county skiers.
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CLIMATE
Northern
Utah enjoys four distinct seasons.
Spring
is mild and green with excellent skiing in the mountains and
golf in the valley. Summer in the valley is comfortably warm
with low humidity. The average high temperature in the Ogden
Valley is 83 degrees and 93 degrees in downtown Ogden with
higher mountain areas ranging as much as 20 degrees cooler.
Summer thunderstorms occur occasionally in June through August
and are more frequent in the mountains. Strong winds sometimes
accompany the storms causing a wind-chill effect, drastically
lowering the apparent temperature.
Fall
is a spectacular time of year as the hills are ablaze with
color and the temperature is pleasant. The higher elevations
receive snow as early as September. Most other months are dry.
Winter
and the abundant mountain snowfall attract skiers from around
the world. Snowfall average at most resorts is about 535
inches or better of "Champagne Powder". The lower
valley areas receive about 64 inches annually. Average
precipitation is 16 inches in Ogden and 60 inches in the
mountains, with most of that occurring during the winter in
the form of snows. Temperatures average 20 to 40 degrees,
although it can get down to 0 or less at times.
Caution
and due care should always be exercised when planning to enjoy
the great outdoors. Anyone traveling or recreating must be
prepared for the worst conditions. In Utah there is a saying
that goes like this," "If you don't like the
weather, just wait 10 minutes and it'll change."
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DEMOGRAPHICS
Approximately
five thousand people call Ogden Valley home on a year-round
basis. An additional five hundred are seasonal residents.
While farming and dairy were main Ogden valley occupations in
the past, today the majority of the populace work in or around
the city of Ogden.
The Ogden valley is a microcosm of the State of Utah from
where the following demographic statistics have been drawn.
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Utah
has the highest literacy rate in the nation.
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90%
of the population over the age of 24 has completed high
school.
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The
median Utah age is 26.2 years, the youngest in the nation.
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Utah
has the 2nd lowest death rate in the nation. 5.3 deaths
per 1,000.
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Utah
has more golf courses per capita than any other state.
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Utah
is the least litigious state in the nation. (Forbes
Magazine)
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BUSINESS
In
the past the valley has been largely agricultural. With many
of the residents raising livestock, horses and primarily hay
and alfalfa for feed.
Much
of that has changed as the valley is experiencing growth and
as a result of the influx of visitors, part time and full time
residents numerous business opportunities are unfolding.
Presently
you will find:
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Three
Ski Resorts
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Two
Golf Courses
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Sporting
Good Sales and Rental
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Convenience
stores and one Grocery Store
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Bed
& Breakfasts & Condominiums
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Automotive
Repair
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2
Dentists, 1 Orthodontist
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Insurance
Office, Banks and Real Estate Offices
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Less
than a dozen restaurants.
| HISTORY
| GEOGRAPHY | WILDLIFE
| CLIMATE | DEMOGRAPHICS
| BUSINESS |
|
