Although the avalanche danger is LOWin most areas, people should carefully evaluate the snow and terrain at upper elevations where there is MODERATE danger and wind slab and cornice fall avalanches are possible. Additionally, warm midday temperatures will heighten the potential for loose wet avalanches on some steep sunny slopes.
Warm mountain temperatures in the middle of the day will elevate the danger of loose wet avalanches on steep sunny slopes once surface crusts soften. These are most likely in very steep, shallow rocky terrain or under cliffs.
Wind slab avalanches are possible, especially on exposed, upper-elevation slopes where snow has been recently deposited by wind. Overhanging cornices may break farther back than expected and could trigger avalanches on the slopes below.
We observed some wind drifting in high terrain, off the shoulder Mt Magog, on Monday.
For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan Zone, go HERE.
Sunny slopes will be crusty until softened by warmth today, while shaded and northerly aspects still hold dry settled powder. We've been finding nice conditions across the zone, with sparkling surface hoar and "loud powder" (re-crystalized surface snow) evident on the snow surface in sheltered areas. The snow appears to be mostly stable across the zone currently, with minimal recent activity and no reported or observed avalanches failing on a sugary persistent weak layer near the ground since December. Slopes with poor snowpack structure are still likely to exist up high in isolated, steep, and rocky terrain. In these areas, a wind slab or wet avalanche might step down into older weak snow, resulting in a much larger and more dangerous slide.
Our concerns on slopes steeper than 30 degrees today include avalanches of wind-drifted snow in exposed terrain and increasing potential for wet avalanches on sunny slopes as daytime temperatures rise. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully, travel through potential avalanche paths one person at a time, and make sure everyone in your group has a beacon, shovel, and probe—and knows how to use them.
The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400 feet reports 38°F and 60 inchesof total snow, containing 117% of average SWE for the date. At the UAC Card Canyon weather station at 8700 feet, it's 35°F, and there is 45 inches of total snow. Currently at 9700 feet on Logan Peak, the wind is blowing 20 to 30 mph from the northwest. It's 29°F on Paris Peak, and the wind sensor reports wind from the north at 20 to 30 mph, with overnight gusts close to 40 mph. Today will be another nice day in the mountains with a 8500' high of 39°F, sunny skies, and light winds in the afternoon, blowing from the northwest. The breeze from the northwest will be a bit stronger up high. A temperature inversion with mild mountain temperatures and valley haze is expected to persist through the week and beyond, as a strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern over the West.
Use safe travel practices: travel with a partner, and cross or ride steep slopes one at a time while the rest of your group watches from a safe spot.
Are you interested in learning more about avalanches? Visit our education page for details on all our classes.
For more information, visit the UAC weather page here: UAC Weather Page For Logan-specific weather, go here: Logan Mountain Weather
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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.
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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.
