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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Paige Pagnucco
Issued by Paige Pagnucco on
Sunday morning, December 1, 2024
The avalanche danger is LOW, and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely.
  • Look for and avoid isolated small wind slabs formed during yesterday's elevated westerly winds. You'll likely find these on upper-elevation, steep slopes and terrain features facing the east half of the compass.
  • The best riding conditions will be on lower angle, shaded, and sheltered slopes that harbor surface hoar or weak snow on the snow surface.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
SAVE THE DATES!
Tuesday, December 3 - The 21st Annual Pray for Snow Fundraiser/Party at The Cache, Logan. Information and tickets available here.
Wednesday, December 4 - USU KBYG (Know Before You Go) Night, USU ARC
Saturday, December 7 - 17th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) - Information and tickets available here.
Weather and Snow
We have generally safe avalanche conditions in the Logan zone. The snowpack has adjusted to the pre-Thanksgiving snow load, but unfortunately, riding conditions are starting to deteriorate. Our snowpack is still relatively shallow, with many obstacles visible above the snow surface. Winds blowing from the west picked up yesterday, so watch for small slabs of wind-drifted snow in upper-elevation terrain. These may sound hollow or feel stiff underfoot. Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger and taking a ride in even a small avalanche could be quite dangerous and consequential. Look for shaded, sheltered slopes with a weak snow surface for the best riding conditions.

The 8500' Tony Grove Snotel reports 26°F and 19 inches of total snow on the ground. It's 24°F at the 8800' UAC Card Canyon weather station, with 22 inches of total snow.
  • Currently at 9700' at the CSI Logan Peak weather station, it's 24°F and the wind is blowing from the west at 19 mph, with gusts to 29 mph. At 9500' on UAC Paris Peak it's 22°F, and winds are from the west 22 to 27 mph.
  • Expect clear, sunny skies today, a high of 34°F at 8500', and light winds blowing from the west-northwest. The forecast is the same for tomorrow, with slightly warmer temperatures. And the next day.
  • A high-pressure system will control the weather pattern and, for at least the next week, we can expect stable atmospheric conditions with fair weather in the mountains and building haze in the valleys.
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
No avalanches have been reported recently.
You can read all observations here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Winds blowing from the west intensified yesterday, gusting up to 45 MPH, and formed small slabs of wind-drifted snow, primarily in upper-elevation, exposed terrain. With weak, faceted snow at the base, any additional weight could cause a collapse, or avalanche, if you are on a steep slope.
  • Listen for a hollow, drum-like sound underfoot, a telltale sign of wind transported snow.
  • Cracking and collapsing or "whumpfs" are red flags, indicating unstable snow.
  • While the wind slabs formed yesterday are likely small, a ride in even a small avalanche can have serious consequences.
  • Avoid steep slopes or terrain features where small wind slabs have formed, and stay cautious in terrain with weak snow layers at the base.
Additional Information
Toby revisited the November 25, 1989 Mark Miller Accident in the PowerPoint presentation above.


The video is from last year, but the message is still relevant to the early season. Take the time now to check your companion rescue equipment and refresh your skills with backcountry partners.
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
-Sign up for forecast region-specific text message alerts. You will receive messages about changing avalanche conditions, watches, and warnings...HERE.
-For all questions on forecasts, education, Know Before You Go, events, online purchases, or fundraising, call 801-365-5522.
-To report an avalanche or submit an observation from the backcountry, go HERE.
-Remember that the Tony Grove Road is not maintained for winter driving. Treacherous snow-covered and icy conditions will be encountered.
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.