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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
LOW: East winds increased significantly last night, stiff drifts may have formed in unexpected or unusual places, and you might trigger small avalanches of wind drifted snow on isolated upper elevation slopes. Overnight temperatures dropped well below freezing at all stations, but daytime warming will cause increasing danger of wet avalanches on sunny slopes. An early start will allow you to be off the snow before it gets too soft and wet. Use normal caution.
  • Watch for recently wind drifted snow on isolated steep upper elevation slopes.
  • Avoid travel in gullies and stay out from under steep sunny slopes during the heat of the day.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 26ºF this morning and there is 84" of total snow with 103% of average SWE for the date. It's 21ºF at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station, and east winds are currently averaging around 35 mph, with gusts to 51 mph. The snow is stable on most slopes this morning, but stiff drifts may have formed on some upper elevation slopes overnight due to strong east winds and warming from strong March sun may create heightened wet avalanche conditions in the middle of the day on some steep slopes with saturated, melt-softened snow.

A pacific storm system will bring low elevation rain and mountain snow across much of southern and central Utah late today through Friday. After brief ridging late Friday into Saturday, another pacific storm system will bring widespread precipitation across the state. It'll be mostly sunny in the mountains today. High temperatures at 8500' expected be around 40ºF, with 20 to 25 mph east-southeast winds. It will be partly cloudy tonight, with low temperatures around 21º F, and 17 to 21 mph east-southeast winds. Snow showers are possible and it'll be mostly cloudy tomorrow, with high temperatures around 40ºF, and 15 to 21 mph east-southeast winds.
Recent Avalanches
There were a few natural loose wet avalanches in the Logan Zone in the past few days, but these are to be expected as the winter snow is warmed up by the strong March sun.
A loose wet avalanche on Andrew Nyman Peak
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
  • East winds picked up overnight, and drifts may have formed in unexpected or unusual places at upper elevations. Avoid stiffer drifted snow on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like scoops, gullies, sub-ridges, tree stringers, and cliff bands.
  • Avoid and stay out from under large ridge top cornices, which might calve off during the midday heat and could trigger avalanches on steep slopes below.
  • Always practice safe travel protocols. Go one-at-a-time while the rest of your party watches from a safe place.
  • Check your safety equipment before you head out. Be sure shovel and probe are in good working order and can be assembled. Change the batteries in your beacon.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Avalanches of wet snow will become increasingly possible today in sunny terrain as snow becomes melt-softened and saturated. Roller balls, pin wheels, and small natural sluffs indicate potential for loose wet avalanches. You can avoid this problem by getting an early start and leaving the mountains early in the day, before the snow gets too warm.
Natural wet avalanches off Mitton Peak in the Wellsville Mountain Wilderness. 3/12/19
Additional Information
I will update this forecast Friday morning.
Enjoy spring skiing at Snowbasin Resort. The UAC has discount Snowbasin tickets available. HERE
General Announcements
The new weather station at the WSU Bloomington Canyon Yurt is up and running. Data available HERE
Now is a great time to practice companion rescue techniques with your backcountry partners. You should check out and use the new Avalanche Beacon Training Park we set up at the Franklin Basin trailhead. Special thanks to Northstars Ultimate Outdoors, USU Outdoor Program, and Beaver Mountain Ski Patrol for helping us to make this possible.
The Beaver Mountain Backside is the backcountry, and it is avalanche terrain. Same goes for the steep rocky terrain adjacent to Cherry Peak Resort. If you leave a ski area boundary, you and your partners should carry and practice with avalanche rescue equipment and follow safe backcountry travel protocols.
Check out the improved weather links, road conditions, and weather links for each forecast region on the new UAC IOS App. Do you use the NOAA point forecast? If so, now you can bookmark your favorite weather locations in "My Weather" in the App. HERE
Are you new to the backcountry or looking to refresh your skills? The UAC has released a free 5-part avalanche skills eLearning series. HERE
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This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. The forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.