Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains
Issued by Toby Weed on
Friday morning, December 13, 2019
Friday morning, December 13, 2019
Heavy snow and strong westerly winds created dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry. Avalanches of wind drifted snow and avalanches involving new snow are likely on many slopes. Natural activity is possible, especially during periods of particularly heavy snowfall. There is HIGH danger on drifted upper elevation slopes facing in a northerly direction, with large avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer near the ground likely. You can find safer options on slopes less steep than about 30 degrees and in lower elevation and sheltered terrain, but avalanches are possible today on many slopes at all elevations.
- Avoid travel in backcountry avalanche terrain, including obvious or historic avalanche paths and run-out zones.
- Stay off and out from under steep wind-drifted slopes.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
It's 23°F at the 8400' Tony Grove Snotel this morning, and there is about 19 inches of new snow, with 2.0" SWE in the past 24 hours and 2.6 so far from the storm. I'm reading 46 inches of total snow containing 127% of normal SWE for the date. It's 18°F at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station, and northwest winds are blowing about 25 mph, with a 56 mph gust earlier this morning.
We found excellent deep powder up at Beaver Mountain yesterday and I'm reading 13 inches of new snow on the remote snow sensor at the top of the mountain. Today is your last chance to track it up before the lifts open! Beaver will be closed to uphill and all public use starting tomorrow through opening day on Tuesday for set up.
Expect more snow in the mountains this afternoon, with 3 to 5 inches of accumulation possible. 8500' high temperatures will fall to around 19°F during the day, and it will be breezy, with 16 to 25 mph west-southwest winds. Snow will continue and become heavier tonight, with 6 to 10 inches possible, 15 mph southwest winds, and temperatures rising to around 22°F by morning. Snow is likely to continue tomorrow morning with 2 to 4 additional inches of accumulation. High temperature tomorrow will drop to around 12°F, and with 15 mph westerly winds, wind chill will be around -4°F. Expect dangerous avalanche conditions on many slopes through the weekend.
Recent Avalanches
Two riders were caught and carried, and one of them was partially buried in an avalanche just north of the Idaho State Line on Saturday afternoon 12-7-19. Here's the report.
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Northwest winds are blowing around 25 mph with a 56 mph gust on Logan Peak this morning. Fresh snow is rapidly being drifted into lee slope deposition areas. Drifts (or wind slabs) are likely to be sensitive to human triggering again today, and the danger will increase and become more widespread as drifting continues. Natural and human triggered avalanches involving wind drifted snow are likely today.
- Avoid and stay out from under steep slopes with recently drifted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Loose snow and soft slab avalanches consisting of storm snow are likely as fresh snow continues to stack up on steep slopes today. Natural avalanches are possible, and they will be most likely during periods of particularly heavy snowfall.
- Even small avalanches can be very dangerous in shallow snow conditions, because you could be dragged into rocks or stumps.
Avalanche Problem #3
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Very weak sugary, faceted snow from late October lurks near the ground at upper elevations on shady northerly facing slopes. Large, destructive, and very dangerous avalanches are possible where this poor snow structure exists. Dangerous avalanches on some slopes could be triggered remotely, from a distance, or below!
- Cracking and collapsing are red flags indicating unstable snow conditions.
General Announcements
The Tony Grove Road is not maintained for wheeled vehicles in the winter.
Thanks to the generous support of our Utah ski resorts and Ski Utah, we have discount lift tickets available. All proceeds from these go towards paying for avalanche forecasting and education! Get your tickets HERE.
Consider taking an avalanche class, there are many different options. Click on the Education menu for a full list of classes from the UAC and other providers. Check out the Know Before You Go eLearning program for free, online, avalanche classes.... HERE
Need a Christmas present for your favorite backcountry partner? Get one of these cool t-shirts to support the UAC and other avalanche centers across the U.S. HERE
It's key to head into the early avalanche season with the proper mindset. In this podcast, we talk with UAC program director Bo Torrey. Bo talks about particular risks unique to the early season, tips and tricks for knocking the rust off your early season rescue skills, and charts out the path forward with avalanche education. HERE
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