Avalanche forecast

Logan

Issued Dec 12, 2025valid to Dec 13, 2025Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Heightened avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry, and people could trigger dangerous avalanches on a buried persistent weak layer buried up to 2 feet deep on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, as areas with more dangerous avalanche conditions might be found at upper elevations on previously drifted slopes with poor snow structure, particularly in the Northern Bear River Range.

Dangerous slab avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer might be triggered from a distance or from below.
Most slopes below 7000 feet are bare of snow or have only very shallow snow cover.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
Weak, faceted snow from November is buried by a slab of heavy, dense storm snow up to 2 feet deep. Where sugary, faceted snow from November existed before last weekend's storm, there is potential to trigger dangerous, widely propagating avalanches. Although stability is gradually increasing, in these conditions, avalanches might be triggered remotely from below or from a distance.

Slab avalanches failing on the buried persistent weak layer are most likely in areas where the wind has drifted snow, near ridgelines, cliff bands, sub-ridges, and mid-slope catchment areas like gullies.

Even a small avalanche could be quite dangerous in these shallow snow conditions, as you might be dragged through the rocks or down trees below.

Follow safe travel protocols: travel with a partner, cross (or ride) steep slopes one person at a time while the rest of your party watches from a safer place.

December 7, 2025: Buried Persistent Weak Layer—An Obvious Problem!

Recent Activity

A rider reported triggering an avalanche on a northeast-facing slope near 9000 feet on Sunday while riding near Doubletop Mountain in Steep Hollow. The avalanche failed on weak, sugary faceted snow from November that was buried during last weekend's storm. His full observation is HERE.

Numerous natural avalanches occurred during the storm. ***For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan Zone, go HERE

Broad natural avalanches on Cornice Ridge were visible from a distance last weekend. (photo, 12/7 from pro observer Katz)

Snow and Weather

This morning, it's 35° F at the Tony Grove Snotel at 8400 feet, with 24 inches of total snow. Winds are sustained from the west, gusting to around 40 mph on Logan Peak, but there is little drifting. It's a cool 27° F on Paris Peak, with 25 mph winds from the southwest. It's 28° F in Logan. Last weekend's storm deposited a dense slab of heavy snow, with nearly 3 inches of SWE, on top of widespread, very weak faceted snow from November.

Many slopes in upper and mid-elevations are now plagued by very poor snowpack structure, with a dense slab overlying a sugary, weak layer lacking cohesion. Although obvious signs of instability like cracking and whumpfing are now much less frequent than last weekend, snowpit stability tests earlier in the week indicated potential for slab avalanches to propagate across slopes. We are dealing with a persistent weak layer that, as the name suggests, could be a problem for a while.

Tuesday's snow stability tests in the Northern Bear River Range near Copenhagen Basin showed potential for avalanches to propagate, and continued instability in some areas...Below is a video of snow stability tests from the Emigration Creek area on December 9.

NWS Forecast Discussion: High pressure will be in place through the weekend, with dry conditions and temperatures around 10-20° F warmer than normal. -Unsettled weather looks to make a return to northern Utah by the middle of next week, though specific details remain uncertain at this time.

Today: Sunny, with a high near 37° F. Wind from the west 6 to 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a steady temperature around 28° F. Wind from the west around 10 mph. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 38. Wind from the west 6 to 8 mph.

Additional Info

For more information, visit the UAC weather page here: UAC Weather Page For Logan-specific weather, go here: Logan Mountain Weather

-For all questions on forecasts, education, Know Before You Go, events, online purchases, or fundraising, call 801-365-5522.

-Remember, the information you provide could save lives, especially if you see or trigger an avalanche. To report an avalanche or submit an observation from the backcountry, go HERE

-Receive forecast region-specific text message alerts to receive messages about changing avalanche conditions, watches, and warnings. Sign up and update your preferences HERE

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.

General Announcements

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ

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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures