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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Monday, February 18, 2013

There is a MODERATE (or level 2) danger in the backcountry. Heightened avalanche conditions exist, and although somewhat unlikely, you still might trigger large and dangerous persistent slab avalanches on isolated slopes with poor snow structure and recent accumulations of drifted snow. You also might trigger wind slab avalanches or cornice falls in upper elevation terrain exposed to recent drifting from west winds. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully, and continue to use safe travel protocols,

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow

The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 2 inches of new snow from yesterday, it's 15 degrees, and there is 57 inches of total snow containing 63% of average water content for the date. It's a chilly 7 degrees at the CSI Logan Peak weather station, and overnight northwest winds shifted around from the southwest, and are now averaging around 10 mph. You can still find good fast shallow powder riding conditions in shady sheltered terrain, but supplies are limited.

Recent Avalanches

No new avalanches were reported recently in the Logan Area Mountains.

Here's a link to our updated Avalanche List.

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Avalanche Problem #1
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Persistent slab avalanches might fail 1 to 2 feet deep on weak faceted snow created during high pressure conditions in January. I triggered a couple heart stopping whumpfs or audible collapses yesterday at around 8400' in elevation on the west facing Franklin Basin side of Beaver Mountain. My tests were convincing and consistent, showing propagating failures of a developing slab on very weak sugary faceted grains. Steep, recently drifted, rocky, outlying upper and mid elevation slopes with generally shallow and weak snow cover and recent wind loads are the most suspect. Although the chances are slim, you might trigger dangerous persistent slab avalanches in some areas remotely, from a distance or worse, from below. Whumpfing and deep cracking are red flags indicating potential persistent slab instability.

Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Expect to find stiff wind slabs and treacherous cornices in upper elevation terrain exposed to drifting from the recent westerly winds. Avoid stiff wind deposited snow on steep slopes, and watch for potential wind slabs in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, gullies, and cliff bands. Wind slabs are drifts that can appear chalky, rounded or bulging, and can sound hollow or drum-like. Be cautious along the ridges, since cornices might break further back than expected, and cornice falls could trigger wind slab avalanches on slopes below.

Additional Information

Clearing and high pressure conditions will develop again today, but only persist for the day. Expect mostly clear skies today in the mountains, with 9000' high temperatures around 26 degrees and fairly light southwest winds. We'll see increasing clouds and wind overnight, and clouds, intensifying southwest wind, and a bit of snow tomorrow. Snow is likely Tuesday night, Wednesday, and Thursday, with several inches of accumulation possible in each 12-hour period, but not an overwhelming amount at any time... A storm next weekend may be stronger, with significant accumulations and strong winds possible.

Check out the new Logan Mountain Weather page...

General Announcements

The infamous annual CROWBAR backcountry ski race is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 in Beaver Creek Canyon. Click HERE for more details...

For a printer friendly version of this advisory click HERE

Remember your information from the backcountry can save lives. If you see or trigger an avalanche, or see anything else we should know about, please send us your snow and avalanche observations. 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.

I will update this advisory on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings by around 7:30...

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

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