Avalanche forecast

Logan

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Highlights

Backcountry snow stability is improving, and the avalanche danger is MODERATE. People might trigger dangerous slab avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer buried 1 to 4 feet deep on northerly-facing slopes steeper than 30°. Avalanches of previously drifted snow are possible in exposed upper-elevation terrain. Good, fast powder riding conditions can be found in sheltered terrain and on lower-angled slopes facing all directions.

Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and practice safe travel protocols by only exposing one person at a time to avalanche risk.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3

    Weak faceted snow exists near the ground on almost all northerly-facing slopes at upper and mid-elevations. While the snow is becoming more stable, the buried, sugary, persistent weak layer near the ground is still a problem, and people might still trigger large and potentially deadly avalanches, especially in outlying terrain and on rocky slopes with shallow snow cover. We've found better stability in areas where the snow is deeper (5 or 6 feet deep) and weaker snow where it is shallower (1 to 4 feet deep).

    • Isolated avalanches might be triggered remotely (from a distance) or from below.
    • We continue to avoid steep slopes with poor snow structure on the north half of the compass.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Strong winds over the weekend created stiff wind slabs, primarily in exposed upper-elevation terrain across all aspects. Slabs of wind-drifted snow sit on top of weak surface snow from last week, and some may still be sensitive today.

    • Triggered avalanches of wind-drifted snow are most likely to occur on the lee side of major ridges, especially on slopes capped by cornices.
    • Wind slabs may be found in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub-ridges, gullies, and scoops.
    • Hard wind slabs may allow you to get out onto them before releasing.

Recent Activity

  • No avalanches were reported in the Logan Zone over the weekend.
  • Read about all avalanches and observations HERE.
  • Remember, the information you share about avalanches you see or trigger could save lives.

Snow and Weather

The Bear River Mountains picked up 4 to 8 inches of high-quality, low-density snow Friday night and Saturday, and we found great riding conditions. The fresh snow is fast, so you don't need to mess around in steep terrain to have fun. We found some stubborn stiff wind drifts near ridgelines, but generally, we observed increased snowpack stability. There is a thin layer of weak sugary snow at the old snow/new snow interface, which may still be reactive today in wind-loaded areas. The old persistent weak layer deep at the bottom of snowpack is gaining strength, but we are still avoiding steep slopes with poor snow structure, which are found on slopes facing the north half of the compass. Thanks to the cold temperatures, you'll find good shallow powder riding conditions again today in sheltered terrain on slopes facing all directions.

-The 8400' Tony Grove Snotel reports 11° F, with 62 inches of total snow.

-On Logan Peak at 9700' feet, the wind is blowing from the northwest 12 mph, with gusts of 20 mph. It's 8° F and the wind chill value is -10° F.

-It's 8° F at 8800' at our Card Canyon station, with 44 inches of total snow.

-On Paris Peak at 9500' in Bloomington Canyon, it is 9° F, and winds are blowing from the west-northwest 5 to 10 mph. A little snow is possible later today, with mostly sunny skies and increasing clouds. Expect a high temperature of 16° F at 8500' and 5 to 10 mph winds from the west-northwest. Sunshine, cold temperatures, and no snow are forecast for the next four days, with the next chance for snow coming on Friday.

For more information, visit the UAC weather page here: Weather - Utah Avalanche Center

For Logan-specific weather, go here: Logan Mountain Weather - Utah Avalanche Center

Additional Info

Here is our video about the Christmas Eve Steep Hollow Accident

General Announcements

-National Forest Winter Recreation Travel Maps show where it's open to ride: UWCNF Logan, Ogden LRD Tony Grove, Franklin Basin CTNF Montpelier

-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.

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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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