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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Paige Pagnucco
Issued by Paige Pagnucco on
Sunday morning, January 12, 2025
Heightened avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry, and the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Triggering an avalanche is still possible in mid and upper-elevation terrain and wind slabs formed yesterday may still be sensitive to the weight of a skier or snowmobiler today. While becoming less likely, it is still possible to trigger dangerous slab avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer buried 2 to 4 feet deep on steep, northerly-facing slopes holding poor snowpack structure.
Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and practice safe travel protocols by only exposing one person at a time in avalanche terrain.
You'll find good powder riding conditions on slopes under 30 degrees in sheltered terrain across all aspects.
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Weather and Snow
What a nice little refresher storm yesterday! Since Friday night, the mountains have received anywhere from 4 to 8 inches (higher amounts fell in favored areas) of high-quality, low-density snow. The winds were a bit blustery, which made it hard to hang around in exposed terrain, but once you slipped into the lee, the winds disappeared, and the snow was great. Old tracks were covered just enough to make for good riding - I might say even the highest-quality snow of the season so far. We did find some stubborn stiff wind drifts near ridgelines, but overall, the snowpack seemed not to be bothered too much by the new (light) load. There is definitely weak snow at the old snow/new snow interface, which may still be reactive today in wind-loaded areas. The old persistent weak layer deeper in the snowpack is gaining strength, though we are still avoiding steep slopes that harbor this poor snowpack structure, mainly facing the north half of the compass. You'll find good powder riding conditions in sheltered terrain on all aspects.
-The 8400' Tony Grove Snotel reports 15° F, with 64 inches of total snow.
-On Logan Peak at 9700' feet, it is blowing from the northwest around 7 mph, with gusts of 20 mph. It's 8° F and the wind chill value is -3° F.
-It's 12° F at 8800' at our Card Canyon station, with 45.5 inches of total snow.
-On Paris Peak at 9500' in Bloomington Canyon, it is 8° F, and winds are calm.
Today will be a beautiful day in the mountains with sunshine and a high temperature of 20° F at 8500'. Light winds shouldn't be much of an issue but may flip-flop from north to south to north. Sunshine and no precipitation are forecast for the next four days, at least.
For more information, visit the UAC weather page here: Weather - Utah Avalanche Center
For Logan-specific weather, go here: Logan Mountain Weather - Utah Avalanche Center
Recent Avalanches
28 years ago yesterday, three people were killed by an avalanche in Logan Dry Canyon, leaving our community deeply affected. We offer our condolences to everyone affected by this tragic accident. You can read the report HERE,
No avalanches were reported yesterday.
Read about all avalanches and all observations HERE.
Remember, the information you share about avalanches you see or trigger could save lives.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Strong winds on Friday night and yesterday created both soft and stiff slabs, primarily in exposed upper and mid-elevation terrain across all aspects. These slabs formed on top of weak surface snow and may still be sensitive today, particularly along ridgelines and above or in avalanche starting zones.
  • Triggered avalanches of wind-drifted snow are most likely to occur on the lee side of major ridges, especially on slopes capped by cornices.
  • Wind slabs are found in exposed areas and in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub-ridges, gullies, and scoops.
  • Hard wind slabs may allow you to get out onto them before releasing.
  • Wind slabs may have a hollow, drum-like feel. Watch for signs of instability, like cracking.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Very weak faceted snow exists near the ground on almost all northerly-facing slopes at upper and mid-elevations. While the snow is gradually becoming more stable and definitive signs of instability like collapsing are waning, the buried, sugary, persistent weak layer and poor snowpack structure remain, and people could still trigger large and potentially deadly avalanches. It will be tempting to ride these slopes, especially with a fresh coat of white, but we are still avoiding this terrain. We've found better stability in areas where the snow is deeper, (5 or 6 feet deep) and weaker snow where it is shallower, (2 to 4 feet deep).
  • Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing (whumpfs) are signs of unstable snow, but these obvious signs of instability will not always be present when a large avalanche occurs.
  • Avalanches might be triggered remotely (from a distance) or worse, from below steep slopes in the flats.
  • We are continuing to avoid steep slopes that harbor poor snowpack structure on the north half of the compass.
Additional Information
Here is our video about the Christmas Eve Steep Hollow Accident
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
-For all questions on forecasts, education, Know Before You Go, events, online purchases, or fundraising, call 801-365-5522.
-Remember the information you provide could save lives, especially if you see or trigger an avalanche. To report an avalanche or submit an observation from the backcountry, go HERE.
-The Tony Grove Road is not maintained for winter driving.
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.
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