Avalanche forecast

Logan

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Highlights

Elevated avalanche conditions exist in most terrain, and there is CONSIDERABLE danger on mid and upper-elevation slopes facing northwest through east. People are likely to trigger dangerous slab avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer that is buried 2 to 3 feet deep on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

With dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry, careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    3

    Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in the backcountry as preexisting layers of very weak snow were overloaded by last week's heavy snow and drifting. The January dry spell persistent weak layer is buried 2 to 3 feet deep in upper and mid-elevation terrain and 1 to 2 feet deep in north-facing low-elevation terrain.

    • Large and unsurvivable avalanches can be triggered remotely (from a distance or below).
    • Audible collapsing or whumpfs and shooting cracks indicate unstable snow, but may not always be present.
    • There are a few different types of now-buried persistent weak layers formed in January. Paige explains in the video about weak snow below:

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    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 upper-elevation slopes facing northwest through southeast.

    • Thick slabs of wind-drifted snow formed in and around terrain features like starting zones, 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. Collapsing or whumpfing is a major indicator of instability.
    • Even small avalanches can be quite dangerous if you are carried into trees or other terrain traps below.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    The surface snow in sunny terrain may become damp in the middle of the day, and loose wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes.

Recent Activity

This morning, search and rescue crews are responding to another significant avalanche accident in the Snake Creek Area, west of Midway, where a rider is missing in a large avalanche. UAC staff will visit the site today, and we will issue a report as soon as we can. Two tragic fatal avalanche accidents occurred last week in the Wasatch Range, and there have been numerous accidents and close calls across the state in the past few days.

It's been active locally as well, and for all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan zone, go HERE. On Saturday, riders triggered a couple of large hard slab avalanches in the Three Terraces area in upper Providence Canyon. The video account is below:

Snow and Weather

While obvious warning signs like cracking and collapsing are less frequent, a persistent weak layer of faceted snow that formed in the January dry spell remains intact. The sugary weak layer is now buried 2 to 3 feet deep, and the avalanches it can produce are large, destructive, and deadly. As the snow gradually stabilizes, avalanches become harder to trigger, and there are fewer obvious signs of instability, but the consequences of getting caught remain the same. No need to sidehill the steep gully walls or step out into bigger terrain, as there is excellent powder riding on low-angle slopes and in open meadows, well away from avalanche terrain and out from under steep slopes. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance, and they can be triggered from the flats below steep slopes. In several of the recent avalanche accidents in Utah, the deadly slides were likely triggered from way below. Staying disciplined with terrain choices—keeping slope angles under 30 degrees and avoiding runouts—remains the best and safest way to enjoy these conditions right now.

Currently, at 8700 feet, the UAC Card Canyon station reports 30°F, and there's 55 inches of total snow. The Tony Grove Snotel, located at 8400 feet, reports 23°F, and there's 66 inches of total snow. Winds on Logan Peak are blowing from the south-southwest 20 to 34 mph.It's 24°F on Paris Peak at 9500 feet, and the wind is blowing 16 to 25 mph from the south-southwest. Today will be another beautiful day in the mountains with sunny skies and 8500' high temps near 37°F and 8 to 11 mph winds blowing from the southwest. Snow is expected tomorrow and tomorrow night, with 6 to 10 inches of accumulation possible in favored upper elevation terrain. Moderately strong winds (15 to 20 mph, with gusts in the mid-thirties) from the west-southwest will be enough to drift the new snow.

Although the weekend has passed, dangerous avalanche conditions still exist in the backcountry. The video below shows recent avalanche activity in the Logan Zone...

Additional Info

  • 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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