Logan

Heavy snowfall and strong winds this week created heightenedavalanche conditions and MODERATE danger in the backcountry. People could trigger large cornice falls and 2 to 4-foot thick avalanches of wind-drifted snow in drifted upper and mid-elevation terrain. Soft slab and loose avalanches of storm snow are also possible on slopes with significant new snow accumulations steeper than 30°. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, especially on steep slopes with recent accumulations of drifted snow. Stay well clear of and out from under overhanging cornices.

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No new significant avalanches were reported recently, but visibility has been limited. Everyone has noticed the strong winds from the south and west, drifting tons of snow every day so far in March. However, snow safety teams triggered some fairly large wind slab avalanches in drifted terrain in the Ogden Mountains yesterday with explosives. Check out all local observations and avalanches HERE.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds in the last few days have upped the ante and created heightened avalanche conditions on drifted upper and mid-elevation slopes. We've found nice deep powder riding conditions in sheltered upper and mid-elevation terrain. Yesterday's new snow was somewhat dense, and you sink deeply (sometimes up to your waist) when you step off the sled, but fat skis, snowboards, and sleds float pretty well in the top foot or so. The moist new snow on top of a hard dusty crust formed on Leap Day and March 1 is much shallower at lower elevations.

In drifted upper-elevation terrain, people could trigger 2 to 4-foot thick avalanches of wind-drifted snow. Drifting has formed cornices in many places, even in lower terrain. Up higher, cornices have grown to be very large and overhung, and these might be quite devious. Falling cornices could trigger wind slab avalanches on steep slopes below. Soft slab and loose avalanches of storm snow are also possible on steep slopes with recent deep accumulations of new snow even in more sheltered terrain.

The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports around 14 inches of new snow in the last 48 hours, with 2.2" SWE (snow water equivalent) since Tuesday. It's 24° F, and there's 118 inches of total snow. About 8" of settled new snow accumulated at our new Card Canyon weather station and there is 92" of total snow at around 8800' in elevation. This morning, diminished winds are blowing from the northwest 10 to 15 mph at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station. At 9500' on Paris Peak, light winds are blowing from the northwest, and it's 18° F.

Expect gradual clearing today, with partly sunny skies by afternoon. 8500' high temperatures are expected to be around 26° F, and the winds will blow 5 to 11 mph from the northwest. Expect mostly clear skies tonight with temperatures dropping to around 4° F and light winds veering from the northeast. Tomorrow will be sunny with high temperatures around 25° F and 10 mph winds from the east-northeast.

A short-lived high-pressure system will bring fair weather and warmer daytime temperatures in the mountains through the weekend. Snow is likely on Monday and early next week.

Wind drifting off the Wellsville Range (Jason Wooden, 3-5-2024)

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

-Listen to your very own Logan Zone avalanche forecasters on the UAC Podcast HERE.

-Read my recent blog about wind, drifting, and avalanches HERE.

-Sign up for forecast region-specific text message alerts. You will receive messages about changing avalanche conditions, watches, and warnings...HERE.

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

-To report an avalanche or submit an observation from the backcountry, go HERE.

-Come practice companion rescue at the Franklin Basin TH Beacon Training Park. It's free and open to everyone. For easy user instructions, go HERE.

-We will update this forecast by 7:30 AM tomorrow. 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.