Avalanche forecast

Logan

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Highlights

People are likely to trigger dangerous avalanches, and avalanche accidents are likely in the backcountry. There is CONSIDERABLE danger on many upper and mid-elevation slopes, with a slab of this week's drifted storm snow overloading a widespread layer of weak faceted snow in many areas. There are areas with very dangerous conditions, HIGH danger on drifted upper elevation slopes facing northwest through east.

Avoid travel in upper elevation avalanche terrain; stay clear of avalanche runouts and off of and out from under slopes steeper than 30°.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    3

    Avalanches of previously wind-drifted snow failing on a persistent weak layer are likely on the lee side of major ridges and in and around exposed terrain features at all elevations, particularly on high slopes facing northwest through southeast.

    • Slabs of wind-drifted snow formed in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, rock outcroppings, gullies, and mid-slope rollovers.
    • Wind slabs of stiffer, drifted snow are rounded and smooth-looking, and they often sound hollow, like a drum.
    • Beware if you cause cracking in stiffer drifted snow.
    • Small loose or soft slab avalanches of new snow could overload slopes with buried persistent weak layers and cause a much larger avalanche.
    • Even small avalanches can be quite dangerous if you are carried into trees or other terrain traps below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    3

    The avalanche danger has risen significantly in the backcountry as preexisting layers of very weak snow were overloaded by heavy storm snow and drifting...

    • Avalanches can be triggered remotely (from a distance or below)
    • Audible collapsing or whumpfs and shooting cracks indicate unstable snow.

    This small slab avalanche from Wednesday in Beaver Canyon illustrates the PWL problem we are now faced with.

Special Avalanche Bulletin

What: The Utah Avalanche Center is warning of dangerous avalanche conditions across all Utah mountains this weekend. This week’s heavy snowfall and strong winds overloaded preexisting weak layers, creating a HIGH avalanche danger across the entire state. With improving weather moving in for the weekend, avalanche accidents are likely in the backcountry. There have already been two tragic avalanche fatalities this week, as well as several close calls and numerous backcountry avalanches reported.

When: In effect from 6:00 AM MST today to 6:00 AM MST Monday

Where: The mountains of Utah and southeastern Idaho.

Impacts Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry and will persist through the weekend. Natural avalanches are possible, and people are likely to trigger avalanches on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Dangerous and deadly avalanches can be triggered remotely (from a distance or from below). People leaving ski area boundaries are entering the backcountry where the same dangerous avalanche conditions exist.

Warning Times: Friday, February 20, 2026 – Monday, February 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM MST

Regions: ALL

Recent Activity

Two tragic fatal avalanche accidents occurred in the last two days in the Wasatch Range. On Thursday, A snowmobile rider was killed in the backcountry above Midway, and an 11-year-old skier died in the backcountry near Brighton Ski Area. (report in progress).

Locally:

A large avalanche off the shoulder of Logan Peak

For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan zone, go HERE

Snow and Weather

This week's powerful winter storms created very hazardous avalanche conditions on slopes steeper than 30 degrees in the backcountry, particularly on drifted upper-elevation slopes facing northwest through east. Thick slabs of wind-drifted storm snow formed in lee areas of exposed ridgelines and in and around terrain features, such as gullies and rock bands. We've found great riding in the meadows and flats, well away from the steeper hills, as 2 to 3 feet of snow accumulated over the last few days across the upper elevation terrain of the Bear River Range. Currently, at 8700 feet, the UAC Card Canyon station reports 8°F, and there's 60 inches of total snow. The Tony Grove Snotel, located at 8400 feet, reports 11°F, and around 27 inches of storm snow this week, with 3.1 inches of SWE, and there's 72 inches of total snow. Winds on Logan Peak are blowing from the southeast 10 to 23 mph. It's 4°F on Paris Peak at 9500 feet, and the wind sensor is rimed.

There's a chance of snow showers in the mountains this afternoon, but it will be partly sunny today. High temperatures at 8500 feet will be around 18°F, and 10 to 15 mph winds from the east will veer around and blow from the west-northwest, creating wind chill values as low as -8°F. Fair weather in the mountains is expected over the weekend, enticing riders with fresh snow, warming temperatures, and mostly sunny skies. Avalanche accidents are likely this weekend because people will undoubtedly be lured into avalanche terrain.

Additional Info

Paige explains how different types of weak snow that develop during periods of benign weather can become persistent weak layers when buried by future snows. Dangerous avalanche conditions are developing as persistent weak layers are overloaded by heavy snow this week.

  • Travel with a partner, and cross or ride slopes steeper than 30 degrees one at a time while the rest of your group watches from a safe spot.
  • Ensure that everyone in the group has avalanche rescue equipment (a transceiver, probe, and shovel) and knows how to use it.

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Join the UAC for the first "Stay and Play Avalanche Course" at Bear River Lodge in the Uintas, March 19th-22nd. This course is designed for snowmobilers by snowmobilers, where you will learn avalanche rescue, riding skills, and how to survive in the backcountry. Come enjoy all the luxury offerings at Bear River Lodge and improve your skills along the way.

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

Did you know the UAC hosts a podcast? Episode 2 of Season IX is just out - AI, Machine Learning, and the Value of Expert Intuition at the Utah Avalanche Center.

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

-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

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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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