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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed on
Wednesday morning, April 15, 2020
Lots of new snow and drifting from westerly winds will cause increasing avalanche danger in the Logan Zone today. Heightened avalanche conditions and MODERATE danger will develop later today on drifted upper and mid elevation slopes, and people could trigger slab avalanches of wind drifted snow as well as soft slab and loose avalanches of storm snow in steep terrain.
  • Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and continue to practice safe travel protocols to minimize your risk during the current health crisis.
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Weather and Snow
It's snowing in the mountains this morning and it looks like a couple inches of new snow fell overnight. It's 26°F at the 8400' Tony Grove Snotel and there is 88 inches of total snow with 117% of normal Snow Water Equivalent. It's 19°F at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station, and west winds are blowing around 25 mph.
The avalanche danger is low in the backcountry this morning, but a winter storm with significant accumulations possible during the day and drifting from west winds will cause rising avalanche danger. Later today, people could trigger slab avalanches of wind drifted snow on upper and some mid elevation slopes. Soft slab and loose avalanches of storm snow will also become possible in steep terrain with significant accumulations of new snow. In areas where less new snow falls and on wind-scoured slopes, the refrozen old snow is quite hard and slick, and people with mountaineering objectives should consider using an ice ax and crampons.
The snow above Bear Lake was a bit dusty yesterday, but more snow is falling this morning.
A weather disturbance over the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies today, will settle over the northern Great Basin through Thursday. Cooler temperatures along with areas of rain and snow are expected today and continue through at least Thursday.
It is snowing and it will be blustery in the mountains today, with 5 to 9 inches of accumulation possible on upper elevation slopes by evening. 8500' high temperatures will be around 31°F, with west winds 16 to 22 mph. Snow will continue tonight, with 3 to 5 additional inches of accumulation possible. Expect a low temperature around 15°F and 10 to 20 mph west winds, veering from the east after midnight. Snow showers are likely tomorrow morning, with 1 to 2 inches possible. High temperatures around 25°F, and 10 to 15 mph east winds are expected.
Recent Avalanches
There were several natural wet loose avalanches and cornice falls in the Logan Zone last week due to very warm temperatures in the mountains.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Significant accumulations of new snow are possible during the day on upper elevation slopes, and west winds will be rather strong. Drifting of the new snow will cause rising avalanche danger on lee slopes, and people could trigger avalanches of fresh wind drifted snow in some steep upper and mid elevation terrain later today...
  • Avoid stiffer, recently drifted snow near the ridge tops, on corniced slopes, and in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, gullies, scoops, and cliff bands.
  • Cracking is a sign of instability.
  • Stay off and out from under large ridge top cornices, which could break much further back than expected.
Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Soft slab and loose avalanches of storm snow may become possible on upper elevation slopes where significant new snow rapidly accumulates. Human triggered avalanches are possible later today even on sheltered steep slopes with lots of new snow.
Additional Information
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.
Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.
New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.
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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.
We will update this forecast before about 7:30 tomorrow morning.
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