Avalanche forecast

Logan

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The danger is MODERATE, and dangerous human-triggered avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer buried 1 to 3 feet deep remain possible on northerly-facing slopes steeper than 30°. Also, people could trigger avalanches of wind-drifted snow in exposed upper-elevation terrain. Nice, fast, shallow 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

    Recent drifting created stiff wind slabs, primarily in exposed upper-elevation terrain across all aspects. Shallow 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.
    • Harder 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 in the Logan Zone HERE.
  • Remember, the information you share about avalanches you see or trigger could save lives.

Snow and Weather

The fresh snow from last weekend is fast, so you don't need to mess around in steep terrain to have fun. We've observed increasing snow stability, and dangerous avalanches breaking on the sugary, persistent weak layer near the ground are becoming less likely. Even so, we continue to avoid steep slopes with poor snow structure, which are found on slopes facing the north half of the compass. There are some stiff wind drifts and shallow slabs at upper elevations near ridgelines and in terrain features, and people could trigger small avalanches of wind-drifted snow. A thin layer of weak sugary snow at the old snow/new snow interface may still be reactive today in drifted areas. Thanks to the cold temperatures, we'll find good shallow powder riding conditions again today in sheltered terrain on slopes facing all directions.

-The 8400' Tony Grove Snotel reports 9° F, with 1 inch of new snow and 62 inches total.

-On Logan Peak at 9700 feet, the wind is blowing from the northwest 15 to 20 mph, with overnight gusts close to 40 mph. It's 6° F, and the wind chill value is -12° F.

-It's 9° F at 8800' at our Card Canyon station, with 44 inches of total snow and a trace of new snow.

-On Paris Peak at 9500' in Bloomington Canyon, it is 6° F, the winds are blowing from the northwest 15 to 20 mph, and the wind chill is also -12 ° F. NWS point forecast for Naomi Peak area: Today: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 20. Wind chill values as low as 1. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a steady temperature around 14. Wind chill values as low as 4. North northwest wind 3 to 6 mph. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 29. Wind chill values as low as 4. Light and variable wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon.

Sunshine and cold temperatures are forecast in the mountains for the next three days, with the next chance for snow coming on Friday and Friday night.

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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