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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Monday, December 10, 2012

The avalanche danger will be on the rise in the backcountry today, with sustained gusty wind and periods of heavy snowfall.. This morning there is a MODERATE danger on drifted upper and mid elevation elevation slopes, and the danger will probably rise to CONSIDERABLE in some areas. Dangerous avalanche conditions are developing at upper elevations on slopes facing northwest through east, triggered wind slab avalanches will become more likely, and you should avoid steep slopes with recent accumulations of drifted snow.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow

Snow is falling in the Bear River Range this morning. The Tony Grove Snotel reports an inch of accumulation overnight, 32 inches of total snow, 79% of normal for the date, and it's 13 degrees at 8400' this morning. Sheltered terrain will offer the best powder conditions today, with wind affected and drifted snow up higher. The Tony Grove Road is not maintained for winter travel and conditions are always changing. The road was blocked by stuck vehicles yesterday, and I don't think anyone was able to make it driving all the way to the lake. Be sure you are prepared with shovels and other emergency supplies if you attempt the drive.

Recent Avalanches

There were a handful of triggered avalanches in the Wasatch backcountry over the weekend, and a few people got caught and carried. Luckily, it appears as though everyone escaped injuries and burial.... My party intentionally triggered a good sized wind slab last week near Mt Magog in the Tony Grove Area, and there is finally enough snow on many upper elevation slopes to create avalanche danger. I received reports of triggered loose snow sluffs on steep slopes from over the weekend, but no more dangerous slab avalanches were reported...

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

Sustained and gusty southwest wind and periods of heavy snowfall will cause the danger of wind slab avalanches to rise and the problem to become more widespread today You are likely to trigger fresh wind slab avalanches if you venture into steep drifted terrain at upper elevations. Wind slabs are forming on the lee side of major ridgelines and in and around terrain features like gullies, scoops, sub-ridges, cliff bands, and rock outcroppings.. With very shallow snow cover still, this is not a good time to be taken for a ride through the sharp rocks or down trees and stumps that currently plague local avalanche run-out zones.

Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

On some slopes, older wind slabs built on top of weak sugary snow called near surface facets, and we can expect a lingering persistent danger in these areas. Dangerous avalanches up to around 2-feet-deep and 100-feet-wide or so are possible in steep upper elevation terrain, primarily on slopes facing northwest through east. Pay close attention to red flags like audible collapsing and cracking, avoid steep obviously drifted slopes, and make conservative decisions regarding your route...

Additional Information

A weak storm will cross the region today bringing sustained southwest wind and snow to the Bear River Range. Heavy snowfall is occurring in the mountains already this morning, and west winds are gusting into the 40+ mph range on Mt Ogden. 5 to 7 inches of accumulation is expected at upper elevations today, with fairly strong and sustained southwest winds, gusting into the 40 mph range, and temperatures rising into the twenties. Some snowfall will continue into the evening hours, winds will gradually shift around from the northwest, and temperatures will drop into the mid teens. Expect unsettled weather to continue with a potentially more potent storm possible toward the end of the work week.

Check out the Logan Mountain Weather page...

General Announcements

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.

The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center in Logan are offering an avalanche 101 class next week. The class will include a classroom session on Thursday evening and a field day on Saturday. Check this link for more details,,,, Avalanche 101 class or call 435-757-2794.

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.

This advisory is produced by the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. It describes only general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist.

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