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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Monday, March 18, 2024
The snow is generally stable, and avalanches are unlikely in the Logan Zone this morning. The avalanche danger is LOW, but it will become elevated, rising to MODERATE, especially on sunny slopes and at low elevations as saturated surface snow softens with daytime heating. Wet avalanches and cornice falls are possible in the afternoon with warm temperatures and powerful sunshine.
Use normal caution and leave or move to higher elevations or shadier slopes if you start sinking into warmth-softened saturated snow. Avoid and stay out from under large overhanging cornices.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
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Weather and Snow
The snow surface is variable but generally supportable and you'll find excellent coverage across the zone. There is still some soft settled snow in north-facing shaded terrain but on sunny slopes, the snow is crusted or damp. The winds over the past few days acted like a blow dryer, evaporating snow at an astonishing pace, particularly at low elevations - spring is here, for now, with strong sun and warm temperatures.

It's 36°F at the 8400' Tony Grove Snotel, and there is 103 inches of total snow containing 125% of normal snow water equivalent (SWE). On Logan Peak, winds blowing from the east around 15 mph and gusting into the 20's, and it's 33° F. At the new Paris Peak weather station, it's 33°F, and the easterly winds are calmer, blowing in the single digits mph. The new Card Canyon weather station shows 89" of snow and it's 31° F.

Sunshine and warm temperatures dominate the forecast for today through Wednesday. Today, 8500' high temperatures will rise to around 42° F. It will be much warmer at lower elevations and vary depending on where you are in our vast zone. Winds will continue to blow from the east at 7 to 15 mph, but they will veer from the north in the afternoon. The next chance for snow showers comes on Thursday afternoon, and snow showers will be possible on Friday. Snow showers are likely in the upcoming weekend, with a good chance of accumulating heavier snow on Saturday.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanches were reported over the weekend. Check out all local observations and avalanches HERE.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
We are moving into the time of year when it's best to get an early start, and then move off of steep slopes before the saturated snow gets too soft.
  • If you start seeing signs of unstable snow like roller balls or pinwheels or you sink deeply into the damp snow, it's time to leave or move to a cooler aspect or elevation. Or, head for slopes less steep than 30°.
Avalanche Problem #2
Cornice
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Avoid being on slopes capped by large overhanging cornices that may calve or collapse due to the heat. Large natural cornice falls are possible, and these could trigger wet avalanches on slopes below.
Large overhanging cornices threaten steep slopes below in the Wellsville Range.
Additional Information
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
-Listen to your very own Logan Zone avalanche forecasters on the UAC Podcast HERE.
-Read Toby's 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 on Wednesday.
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.