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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Wednesday, March 20, 2013

This morning the snow in most areas is stable, avalanches are unlikely, and the danger is mostly LOW (level 1) in the backcountry. The danger will probably rise a bit with stormy weather today, and heightened avalanche conditions and a MODERATE (level 2) danger could develop in places. You might trigger shallow wind slab avalanches at upper elevations, and rain up to around 8000' in elevation might saturate and soften the snow at mid and lower elevations leading to potential for wet avalanches. Use normal caution, but evaluate the snow and terrain carefully, especially later in the day.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
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Weather and Snow

The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports a couple inches of new snow from last night, with 2/10ths of an inch of water equivalent. It's 30 degrees, and with 57"of total snow, the station sits at 66% of average water for the date. The CSI Logan Peak weather station at 9700' reports 27 degrees and southwest winds, with wind speeds averaging in the mid twenties and gusts approaching 40 mph. We found nice smooth and creamy "ride anywhere" snow conditions yesterday, best in lower angled terrain.

Recent Avalanches

Last week's unseasonably warm weather spawned numerous natural wet avalanches in the Logan Area, but cold temperatures in the last couple days solidly locked up the moist snow. Other than a couple very small and manageable wind slabs, no new avalanches were reported in the Logan Zone since last week's wet activity.

Here's a link to our updated Avalanche List.

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

South and southwest winds intensified overnight, and although there wasn't a whole lot of soft snow available, some drifting probably occurred. Watch for and avoid smooth, stiffer, chalky-looking, and sometimes hollow sounding drifts on steep slopes. You might find fresh drifts in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, cliff bands, or gullies. Accumulations of new snow and continued southwesterly winds could create heightened avalanche conditions at upper elevations today, and you might trigger (generally manageable) wind slab avalanches on steep drifted slopes....

Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Today's fairly high rain/snow level is a concern. Rain up to around 8000' in elevation may saturate and soften snow at mid elevations as well as any remaining lower elevation snow. Significant rainfall will create heightened avalanche conditions and triggered wet avalanches could become possible in steep terrain late in the day.

Additional Information

A westerly flow tapping Pacific moisture will move into the area today, bringing snow to upper elevations and rain below around 8000'. 3 to 7 inches of accumulation is forecast for upper elevations with moderate but strengthening southwest wind and high temperatures at 9000' approaching 40 degrees. Southwest winds will increase tonight and a cold front will pass through the area, with 3 to 5 inches of accumulation forecast... It'll be much colder tomorrow, with highs in the mid twenties, sustained west winds, and 1 to 3 inches of additional snow possible. Unsettled and cold weather is expected to persist through the weekend...

Check out the Logan Mountain Weather page...

General Announcements

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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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