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Observation: Logan Dry Canyon

Observation Date
3/9/2024
Observer Name
Champion
Region
Logan » Logan Dry Canyon
Location Name or Route
Logan Dry Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Beautiful, warm weather day. Not a cloud in the sky, and winds were generally light. No obvious signs of transport occurring along ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
The primary focus of the day was the snow surfaces. Overall, there was a wide variety of snow surfaces. Conditions were generally low tide and dry at the trailhead. Only a few hundred feet before reaching the trailhead, I was able to put my skins on, about 200' from the trailhead. All aspects were damp until around 6700'. Above that altitude, there was an obvious change to drier and colder snow in the shaded aspects in the morning.
In sheltered terrain, a few small grain surface hoar crystals were forming, as well as preserved broken stellars.
On southerly facing aspects, up to 8200', the upper 5-10cm were a damp consolidated layer that had obviously melted, frozen, and refrozen. I would expect that layer to be firm by tomorrow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
The biggest red flag today was the warm temperatures.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The primary concern throughout the weekend is going to be the wet snow. While the snow surface was damp, it feels as though the warming is happening rather gradually with cooler temperatures at night. Where I traveled today I did not see any roller balls, pinwheels, or point releases on the south facing aspects.
Though with continued days and nights of warm temperatures, I would expect to see an increase in wet-loose activity.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Winds remained generally light, with a few moderate gusts throughout the day. Due to the warm temperatures and lack of soft snow available for transport, there was very little to no drifting occurring along ridgelines. Nonetheless, there were obvious signs of texture and previous drifting that had occurred. Therefore, in catchment areas, I would expect there to be stubborn slabs of wind-drifted snow.
A growing concern with the warm snow and winds is the cornices; they are obvious along ridgelines and, with the warm temperatures, could begin to drop. I'd advise giving them a wide berth.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates