Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation NEW - Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills On-Snow Courses Resources and Tutorials
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

There is a MODERATE danger today on steep upper elevation slopes in the backcountry. Heightened avalanche conditions exist, and you could trigger wind slabs in exposed terrain or wet avalanches on very steep slopes with saturated surface snow . Continue to use safe travel protocols, check your avalanche rescue equipment, and find the time to practice avalanche rescue scenarios with your partners....

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow

The Tony Grove Snotel reports 14 inches of total snow, with 3 inches of water equivalent. Its a warm 38 degrees at the 8400' site. South winds increased significantly overnight and are now cranking out 36 mph hourly averages at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station , and it is 32 degrees this morning.

Even with the fresh snow from the weekend, you'll find very shallow early season snow cover in the Logan Zone. Recreation options are still limited to a few north facing upper elevation slopes with smooth underlying ground. Keep the speed down and watch for shallowly buried rocks and stumps. It's still way too shallow for riding sleds in the backcountry without damaging equipment or the resource. Be sure to check your batteries in your transceiver and the working condition of your rescue equipment, practice rescue scenarios with your partners, and always follow safe travel protocols... Remember that the Tony Grove Road is not maintained for winter travel and is likely to present winter driving challenges... Be sure you are prepared with shovels and other emergency supplies.

Recent Avalanches

No avalanches have been reported yet in the Logan Area......

Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Even though Sunday's snow was heavily rimed and moist., very strong, sustained, and increasing southwest wind formed stiff wind slabs in terrain exposed to wind .The potential of triggering stiff wind slabs exists in some upper elevation north and east facing terrain... Some of these slabs may be sensitive to your weight on very steep slopes, and might fail on weak underlying October snow near the ground.... Avoid smooth, rounded, hollow sounding or chalky looking wind deposits on steep slopes... Hard wind slabs have a nasty habit of allowing people to get out on them before releasing.

Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Wet avalanches consisting of Sunday's wet storm snow are possible on steep slopes at upper elevations with saturated surface snow. High temperatures at upper elevations are forecast to rise into the 40s again today, and if the sun pokes out from the clouds, slopes that are sheltered from the wind will heat up quickly. Roller Balls and point-release sluffs are signs that the snow is warm and moist enough to avalanche. Wet surface slides could entrain a good deal of snow. If not enough to bury you, certainly enough to push you around. and you do not want to be taken for a potentially traumatic ride through shallowly buried rocks and dead-fall currently plaguing avalanche run-out zones.

Additional Information

Mountain temperatures will remain on the mild side as a southwest flow aloft continues to dominate the weather pattern. Expect mountain temperatures well into the 40s, mostly cloudy skies, and a strong southwest wind along the ridges. Winds could gust in the 50 mph range. Some snowfall is possible later today and with frontal passage overnight, but not much is expected in the way of accumulation. High pressure will build into the zone for Thanksgiving and the remainder of the week. The next storm will move into the area Saturday night, producing a good chance for a little more snow on Sunday.

General Announcements

Check out our new video showcasing last year's (2011-2012) documented backcountry avalanche activity.... https://vimeo.com/52907979

Come join us for our annual "Pray for Snow" fundraiser dinner and party November 29 at The Italian Place! In addition to live music and entertainment we have lots of donated items to raffle off including OR outerwear, Marker A/T bindings and a brand new Voile Splitboard!

Donate to your favorite non-profit –The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center. The UAC depends on contributions from users like you to support our work.

Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can also call us at 801-524-5304 or email by clicking HERE. In the Logan Area you can contact Toby Weed directly at 435-757-7578.

Next forecast >