Join us for a free avalanche awareness talk with the USU Outdoor Recreation Program at 7:00 on December 1..... USU ORP classes
Don't miss the 12th annual Utah Avalanche Center in Logan's "Pray for Snow" party and fundraiser, the evening of December 3, again at the Italian Place in Downtown Logan.. For info and tickets go ............HERE
Snow is on the way and it'll be breezy and snowy in the mountains today. Expect heightened avalanche conditions on drifted upper elevation slopes and increasing danger with continued east wind and intensifying snowfall this afternoon and tonight. The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 30 degrees this morning and 18" of total snow containing 80% of average water for the date. The CSI Logan Peak weather station at 9700' reports 25 degrees and sustained and rather strong southeast winds, with average wind speeds in the upper twenties.
Cold, clear, and dry nights over the weekend and accelerated temperature gradient induced sublimation through a shallow snowpack caused last week's heavy snow to become very sugary and weak or faceted. Video Observation, Beginner Bowl, Tony Grove, 11-23-2015
This avalanche on a steep north facing slope above the Tony Grove Campground and near Beginner Bowl was probably remotely triggered by a skier Friday. (11-20-2015)
Words of warning: Very shallow, early season conditions exist, and you are still likely to hit rocks or woody debris in most areas. The Tony Grove Road is not maintained in the winter for wheeled vehicles, and road conditions are icy, snowy, drifted-in and treacherous, so come prepared. The upper section of the road and the loop at the lake were impassible over the weekend. The Tony Grove Area is a shared use area and very popular in the early season, so please watch your speed, use patience, and be respectful of other users. For easier access, Beaver Mt. allows uphill travel and appreciates early season users packing down the weak snow. Remember while the lifts are closed, the area is considered backcountry .
It's time to dust off and check the condition of your avalanche rescue equipment. Review and practice Companion Avalanche Rescue with our video..........HERE****
Natural and remote triggered storm and/or persistent slab activity occurred in the Tony Grove Area Friday, 11-22-15 after heavy snowfall containing around 2.5" of water.
I noticed at least two fairly broad avalanches on the steep slopes west of Tony Grove Lake. It looked like debris crossed the lakeside trail, hitting the lake in a couple places..