Avalanche forecast

Logan

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Highlights

CONSIDERABLE: Heightened avalanche conditions exist on drifted slopes in mid and upper elevation terrain, where people could trigger both slab and loose avalanches of new snow on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. There are areas with more dangerous conditions in high terrain, including slopes facing northwest through southeast with recently wind-deposited snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    People could trigger wind slab avalanches today, especially in exposed terrain at upper elevations and on drifted mid-elevation slopes facing the east side of the compass. Wind slab avalanches up to 3 feet thick might fail on a preexisting layer of weak surface snow. Freshly formed cornices are likely to break further back than you might expect, and could trigger wind slab avalanches on slopes below.

    • Avoid travel on and under cornices and steep slopes with stiff deposits of recently wind-drifted snow.
    • Wind slabs are rounded and chalky looking and can sound hollow, like a drum when you travel over them.
    • Cracking is an obvious sign of instability.
    • Soft wind slabs of drifted new snow might be quite sensitive to human triggering, while hard, older wind slabs can be devious, sometimes allowing people to get well out on them before releasing suddenly, like a mousetrap.

    Read my Blog about Wind, Drifting, and Avalanches

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    4

    There is lingering potential on some isolated slopes with poor snow structure for large and destructive hard slab avalanches that fail on a buried persistent weak layer near the ground.

    • We are still concerned by a buried persistent weak layer problem that likely still exists in outlying upper-elevation terrain, especially on northerly facing slopes in the southern half of the zone. A weak layer of moist faceted November snow lurks near the ground. Destructive, hard slab avalanches up to 4 feet deep remain possible in isolated drifted terrain.
    • Another potential buried persistent weak layer consisting of glittery surface hoar and/or small sugary grains of faceted snow may exist on last year's snow surface. Buried by the New Year's storm, it could have been preserved intact on some slopes. Slab avalanches today, up to three feet thick, could fail on a persistent weak layer in the Christmas-New Year's interface.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Human-triggered loose and soft slab avalanches of storm snow are possible.

    • People could trigger soft slab or loose avalanches of storm snow on mid and upper elevation slopes slopes steeper than 30 degrees with significant new accumulations.

Recent Activity

An observer reports triggering a sizable cornice fall avalanche on Tuesday by dropping a cornice on a drifted east-facing slope off the Knob in the Strawberry area near Emigration Summit in the Northern Bear River Range. For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan Zone, go HERE.

Snow and Weather

Yesterday, we found fantastic powder riding conditions and generally stable snow in sheltered mid-elevation terrain in the Northern Bear River Range. The snow was fast, so we had fun on lower-angle slopes. Today's avalanche problems on slopes steeper than 30 degrees in the Logan Zone include soft and stiffer wind slab avalanches, soft slab and loose avalanches of new snow, and isolated deeper slab avalanches failing on a sugary persistent weak layer buried near the ground. Avalanche conditions are particularly hazardous in drifted upper-elevation terrain, and careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential for safe backcountry travel.

The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400 feet reports 19°F, with 9 inches of new snow, mostly overnight, and 70 inches of total snow. At the UAC Card Canyon weather station at 8700 feet, it's 15°F, with 6 inches of new and 50 inches of total snow. Currently at 9700 feet on Logan Peak, it's 20°F, and the wind is blowing 15 to 20 mph from the west-northwest.

The National Weather Service has continued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Logan Zone through this evening. It will snow in the mountains today, tapering off in the afternoon, with temperatures at 8500 feet dropping to around 14°F, and 3 to 5 inches of accumulation possible in favored upper elevation terrain. Winds from the northwest will blow 15 to 20 mph, with higher gusts. It will be partly sunny and cold in the mountains tomorrow, with a chance for snow showers and high temperatures in the teens. It looks like a pleasant weekend with mostly sunny skies and gradually warming temperatures.

Additional Info

We checked out the cornice fall avalanche near Emigration Summit on Wednesday, and here is the video.

Use 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.

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

-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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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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