The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 48 inches of total snow (126% of normal) with overnight temperatures in the mid-30s F. The new weather station on Paris Peak at 9500' in elevation reports 31° F and 20+ mph winds blowing from the southwest. We are doing pretty well compared to the average for those wondering where all the snow is. The snow depth last year was about the same as it is today. The black line is this season, and the orange line is last season.
In our travels yesterday, we found a variety of snow surfaces: sun crusts, wind crusts, rime crusts, surface hoar, and widespread, small grain facets. The persistent high pressure and temperature inversion are causing the surface snow and what's just beneath to weaken. This makes for fast and loud riding conditions now but is a potentially poor setup for the future. Coverage is good up high but still deceptively shallow at mid-elevations. Even DJ Osborne is waiting for a few more feet of snow before he veers too far off the beaten path.
Surface hoar is plentiful right now. You'll find this type of snow across the range in shaded, sheltered terrain, mostly at mid and upper elevations.
Expect mostly sunny skies in the mountains today, with 8500' high temperatures around 35° F and light winds blowing from the southwest. High-pressure conditions will continue through Monday, with sun and pretty warm temperatures in the mountains and haze in the valleys. Clouds and the chance for snow will increase gradually next week, with a series of weak systems beginning to affect our area around Tuesday.
No avalanches were reported in the Logan Zone since a widespread natural cycle occurred on December 3 and 4.
- Observations are available HERE.
- Visit our avalanche page to check out this season's activity across Utah.
