Avalanche forecast

Logan

Issued Dec 20, 2025valid to Dec 21, 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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Across upper elevation slopes facing northwest through north through southeast, there is a MODERATE avalanche danger due to multiple days of strong winds and new dense snowfall. Recently, wind-loaded slopes are the most suspect today.

In many places, the persistent weak layer is capped by a stout crust beneath the new snow. However, the potential still remains to trigger an avalanche up to 2 feet deep. This is most likely in heavily drifted areas, where wind-drifted snow could step down more deeply, or where the crust is less supportable.

Continue to evaluate the snow and terrain carefully today.

Slopes below 7,000 feet are bare or have only very shallow snow cover.

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
1
Westerly winds have been cranking for days. In some places, they have scoured the surface, but in others they are drifting the new dense snow and building both fresh soft and hard slabs. Watch for slopes that are actively loading or have that rounded, pillow look. Cracking under your feet, a hollow feel, or stiff, chalky snow are all signs of new wind drifts to avoid.

Even small avalanches can have serious consequences in shallow snow conditions, where a slide could drag you through rocks or downed trees below.

Stick to 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.

In many places, the new snowfall and fresh wind slabs are building on a stout, supportable rain crust. This means that, though shallow, these wind drifts could be sensitive and run fast and far.
Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Size
3
In the Central and Northern Bear River Range, weak, faceted snow from November is buried beneath last week’s thick surface crust and a layer of weakening heavy snow from early December. On steep, drifted slopes, especially where the rain crust is thin or absent, human-triggered avalanches are possible and could propagate widely.

Collapsing, indicated by shooting cracks or whumpfs, is a clear warning of unstable snow. Remotely triggered avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer are also possible.

While the weak layer is generally capped right now, additional loading from heavy snowfall and strong winds will begin to stress the faceted snowpack and increase instability. As the load grows through the next few storm systems, avalanche danger will rise.

Snowpit profile from the Emigration Summit Area - North Aspect - 8300'. You can see the stout crust near the surface, capping the weaker snow near the ground.

Recent Activity

No new avalanches have been reported locally since early December. For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan Zone, go HERE

Snow and Weather

This morning, temperatures have dropped to 28 °F at the Tony Grove SNOTEL at 8,400 feet. Since yesterday, Tony Grove has picked up 4 inches of new snow (0.90 inches of water), with 6 inches of snow total for the storm. On Logan Peak at 9,700 feet, it’s 22 °F, with westerly winds around 20 mph and gusts at the station topping out near 50 mph.

Additional snow remains likely today. Expect another 1 to 2 inches of new snow at Tony Grove. Temperatures will stay in the upper 20s to low 30s °F. Winds will remain elevated in the mountains, though not as strong as the past few days, with west winds continuing.

Looking ahead, we remain in a warm, active pattern through Christmas. A short break is possible early next week, but temperatures stay warm for late December. Another storm around Christmas looks more wet than white at lower elevations.

See the National Weather Service’s expected snowfall graphics below.

Wednesday’s winds took a toll on both the snow surface and travel. While traveling in the backcountry yesterday, large downed trees were widespread, including along the Tony Grove Road and Copenhagen Basin Road. See photo below.

Additional Info

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.

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