UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed on
Saturday morning, November 24, 2018
There is HIGH avalanche danger on upper elevation slopes facing northwest through east. Dangerous natural and human triggered avalanches 1 to 2 feet deep are likely on slopes where weak preexisting snow has been overloaded by the Thanksgiving storm. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain today.
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Join us on Wednesday December 5th to celebrate the coming of winter! Our 15th Annual Pray for Snow Party and Fundraiser is at The Cache with music from Two Headed Trout, pizza from Lucky Slice, beverages from Moab Brewery, and a raffle and silent auction if amazing donated items. Thanks for your support of avalanche awareness and education. We look forward to seeing you! Tickets available online: CLICK HERE.
Weather and Snow
Heavy snowfall and drifting from strong westerly winds have created very dangerous avalanche conditions on upper elevation slopes. The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports about a foot of new snow containing 1.8" Snow Water Equivalent in the last 24 hours, and closer to 2 feet with 2.7" SWE in the last 48. There is 23 inches of total snow with 87% of average SWE for the date. Westerly winds at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station and are blowing 35 mph with a gust of 73 mph recorded early this morning. Expect continuing heavy snowfall and very strong westerly winds to continue this morning, veering from the northwest. Snowfall should taper off this afternoon and shut off this evening.
Looking northwest across Beginner Bowl at the Naomi Peak area west of Tony Grove Lake, 11-19-18.
Recent Avalanches
It was an active day in the Central Wasatch Range yesterday, with several soft slab avalanches reported, most remote triggered by backcountry skiers or riders. The avalanches ranged from 1 to 2 feet deep and 30' to 125' wide.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Very weak faceted snow exists under the fresh powder on shady upper and mid elevation slopes. Heavy, wind drifted snow overloaded these slopes and natural and human triggered avalanches, 1 to 2 feet deep are likely in shady upper elevation terrain today.
The shallow snow under the fresh powder on north facing slopes at upper elevations is plagued by loose, sugary faceted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
With a couple feet of heavy new snow, avalanches involving the new snow are now possible on almost any slope that you can play on.
Avalanche Problem #3
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Avoid recently drifted snow in steep terrain. Wind slab avalanches are possible even on slopes that were bare before the Thanksgiving storm.
Additional Information
The Tony Grove Road is open but not maintained for winter travel of wheeled vehicles. It is quite icy currently under the fresh snow in shady areas and on the upper section. Accumulations and drifting snow this weekend will likely make conditions serious, so be prepared. Snow is starting to pile up on the slopes of Beaver Mountain, and managers are glad to allow uphill traffic. You can avoid the Tony Grove Road challenge, find generally safe conditions in lower angled terrain, and help pack out the ski hill. Remember, before it opens Beaver Mountain is the backcountry.
General Announcements
Join the UAC for the 2nd Annual Ogden Backcountry Bash at The Front Climbing Gym in Ogden. Beer, pizza, silent auction, prizes, and climbing! November 29 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM The Front Climbing Club, 225 20th street, Ogden UT 84401
Utah State University Outdoors Program is hosting a Know Before You Go avalanche awareness clinic on Wednesday November 28th at 7pm at the OP Rental Shop. The event is FREE and open to the public.
Weber State University Outdoor Program just installed a new weather station at 7900' near their Bloomington Canyon Yurt in Bear Lake County Idaho. Stay tuned for useful weather data from this, as it will be made available to the public soon.