The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations and aspects where human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Look for and avoid isolated areas of wind-drifted snow near ridgetops in the highest elevation terrain.
You may see small wind-drifted snow avalanches isolated to ridgetops above treeline, to avoid this problem look for and avoid pillowy round wind deposited snow near ridgetops and in gullies. These wind-drifted avalanches could be up to 6-12" deep.
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No recent avalanches were reported in the Logan Zone. In the mountains south of Logan, backcountry travelers reported natural shallow wind-drifted snow avalanches running in steep terrain above treeline and I would expect the same could be found in the Logan area mountains.
Merry Christmas, while Santa didn't deliver any new snow overnight, he has brought cold temperatures and clear skies.
Currently, the Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' has 43" of total snow, with overnight temperatures in the single digits °F. The CSI Logan Peak weather station at 9700' had overnight temperatures in the low teens ° F and winds blowing from the west-northwest 24 MPH with gusts up to 33 MPH. The temperature is 5°F at the new Card Canyon weather station, with 33.9" of total snow on the ground. The new Paris Peak weather station in Southern Idaho is reporting overnight temperatures in the teens °F with winds blowing from the north 26 gusting to 29 MPH. Wind chills throughout the region are well below 0 °F and Peter Sinks is holding steady at -40°F/C (the temperature where Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same).
For today, winds will blow from the west-northwest 15-20MPH gusting to 25MPH at the highest ridgelines. Wind speeds are forecast to decrease throughout the day. Skies will be clear with temperatures 15-22°F. No new snow is expected today.
Earlier this week we found stable and variable snow conditions near Garden City Bowls and in the Bunchgrass Area. Even with warm temperatures and high pressure, we found surface hoar and sugary surface snow (consisting of near-surface facets) on shaded east-facing terrain. Dig down below the new snow to see if these crystals are under the newest snow as they are a sensitive weak layer when buried.
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.
