We've hopped straight into winter in the Logan Zone, and you'll need to be on top of your game if you head into the mountains today. Lots of heavy new snow fell and sustained southwest winds howled in the Central Bear River Range overnight. Dangerous storm snow and wind slab avalanche conditions exist at upper elevations, and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep drifted slopes.

The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 15" of new snow with 2.4" SWE (Snow Water Equivalent) in the last 24 hours. It's 29°F this morning, and there's now 28" total settled snow. Last night's winds were fairly strong out of the south and southwest, with Logan Peak showing sustained 25 mph hourly averages and consistent 30 to 40 mph recorded on Ogden peak. Both wind sensors are encased in rime (ice) this morning.

Shallow, early season snow conditions exist, and hitting rocks or down and dead wood presents a significant hazard. Travel cautiously and keep your speed down. In these conditions the risk of injury is significantly increased. If you were to get caught in even a small avalanche, you risk being raked through rocks and deadfall below

The Tony Grove Road is not maintained for wheeled travel in the winter, so if you venture up, have all the needed gear, be patient and be ready to dig.

We found pretty good coverage but weakening snow at upper elevations in the Bear River Range last week.