Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains
Issued by Toby Weed on
Tuesday morning, February 4, 2020
Tuesday morning, February 4, 2020
Heightened avalanche conditions exist and there's MODERATE danger on drifted slopes in the backcountry. People could trigger avalanches of wind drifted snow. Avalanches are possible at lower elevations, in the foothills, and on steep slopes and cut banks in parts of Cache Valley. The danger is mostly LOW and avalanches are unlikely in areas with less new snow, like most areas in the Central Bear River Range.
- Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Yesterday's intense storm dropped a ton of snow in Cache Valley, but much less snow fell in the Central Bear River Range. The uneven distribution of accumulation makes today's forecast difficult. 18 inches of heavy snow fell in Smithfield, with only 3 or 4 inches at Tony Grove. Beaver Mountain reports 5 inches from the storm, while Powder Mountain reports 15". It's -1°F at the 8400' Tony Grove Snotel, and there is 4 inches of new snow from yesterday's storm. There is 78 inches of total snow, containing 118% of normal Snow Water Equivalent. Northeast winds are currently blowing around 8 mph at the CSI Logan Peak weather station, and it's -4°F at 9700'.
Heightened avalanche conditions exist on steep slopes with significant accumulations of drifted new snow. Human triggered avalanches are possible on steep slopes at all elevations. The danger is much lower in areas that only picked up a few inches of new snow.
It will be mostly sunny in the mountains today. 8500' high temperatures are expected to be around 17°F, with 3 to 8 mph north-northwest winds, and wind chills around -14°F. It'll be partly cloudy tonight, with temperatures dropping to around -2°F, northwest winds around 8 mph, and wind chill values as low as -15°F. Snow is likely tomorrow afternoon, with 1 to 2 inches possible. It will be mostly cloudy, with high temperatures around 20°F, 9 to 13 mph west winds, and wind chills around -9°F. Looks like a snowy finish to the week in the Logan Zone, with snow forecast for each 12 hour period, potentially continuing into the weekend.
Recent Avalanches
No significant avalanches were reported recently in the Logan Zone.
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Yesterday's intense storm dropped a ton of snow in Cache Valley, and north winds created deep drifts on the benches. Heightened avalanche conditions exist and people could trigger avalanches in areas that picked up significant accumulations of drifted new snow. Much less snow fell in the Central Bear River Range, even at upper elevations, and the there is much less danger in sheltered terrain and on slopes with only a little new snow.
- Watch for and avoid fresh drifts near ridge lines and in and around terrain features like cliff bands, scoops, gully walls, and sub-ridges.
- Avoid ridge top cornices, which can break much further back than expected and start avalanches on slopes below.
General Announcements
Are you looking to improve your avalanche skills? We are offering a Backcountry 101: Introduction to Avalanches class at Powder Mountain February 14-15. Info and sign up HERE
The anual CROWBAR backcountry ski race will be on Saturday, February 8. The unique and classic backcountry race will be held at the Swan Flat/Garden City Trailhead in upper Logan Canyon. There are four divisions (Junior, Recreation, Heavy Metal & Race) with different climbs, descents, and technical booters. Participants must carry avalanche rescue gear (beacon, shovel, probe) and can use alpine touring gear, telemark skis, or splitboards. Register on UltraSignup, or sign up to volunteer at this year's race!
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.
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Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations....HERE. You can also call us at 801-524-5304, email by clicking HERE, or include #utavy in your tweet or Instagram.
This forecast is from the USDA Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. The forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
I will update this forecast before about 7:30 tomorrow morning.