Riders reported excellent conditions over the weekend, with fresh snow and cold temperatures finally delivering winter-like riding. The new snow is bonding well to the old, damp snow, and instabilities within the recent storm snow have largely settled. Expect the snow to stay cold and soft this week, except on south-facing slopes where sunshine may affect surface conditions.
Our primary concern remains poor snowpack structure, with weak, faceted snow from November still lingering near the ground. While these facets are currently moist and showing fewer signs of instability, like propagation, their presence alone creates a potentially dangerous setup. This problem will take more time and additional snow to heal. For now, the best way to manage the risk is to stick to slopes less than 30 degrees.
Currently, it is 16°F at Tony Grove with 43 inches of total snow. At the UAC Card Canyon weather station, it is 13°F with 27 inches of total snow. Winds on Logan Peak are blowing from the northwest at around 20 mph, with gusts reaching 25 mph. Paris Peak shows 20°F with winds blowing from the northwest 18 to 22 mph.
Today will be another beautiful sunny day in the mountains, with temperatures around 27°F at 8,500 feet and light winds blowing from the northwest, creating wind chills of around 10°F. The forecast calls for clear skies and sunshine until about New Year's Day with increasing daily high temperatures. Forecast models suggest snowfall for the coming weekend.
No new avalanches have been reported locally since early December. A party of snowmobilers reported a loud, resounding whumpf or audible collapse near Swan Flats yesterday - a clear reminder of poor snowpack structure. For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan Zone, go HERE.
