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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed for
Monday, October 28, 2013

There is not enough snow yet, but you should avoid steep drifted slopes and terrain features in the highest terrain. Heightened avalanche conditions exist in some areas, shallow wind slab avalanches are possible, and the danger is MODERATE (or level 2) at upper elevations. Extremely shallow snow cover and sharp rocks make for very dangerous ride potential for anyone caught even in a small avalanche.

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Weather and Snow

There is only 8 inches of total snow at the 8400' Tony Grove Snotel, and not much more than that up higher. Not really enough snow to cover the rocks yet, but a few folks have been out wiggling through the cone flowers or cross-country skiing on the snow covered Tony Grove Campground loop. The Tony Grove Road is not maintained for wheeled travel in the winter, but aside from icy conditions on a few sections in the shade, the road is passable with a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.

It's a good time to check your avalanche rescue equipment, change to fresh batteries in your beacon, and test it's range. Refresh yourself and your partners with easy rescue scenarios while the snow is still shallow. History shows that early season avalanches are not uncommon in the area, and you might as well start the winter season on top of your game.

Recent Avalanches

No avalanches have yet been reported in the backcountry around Logan

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

Sustained southwest and westerly winds at upper elevations probably created a few shallow wind slabs in exposed terrain on the highest peaks... You might trigger an isolated wind slab avalanche on a steep drifted slope, especially in a terrain feature like a gully or scoop that has old October snow as a basal layer. Keep in mind that with such shallow snow cover, a ride in even a small avalanche will be dangerous....

Additional Information

We could see a few snowflakes in the mountains today, with temperatures remaining below freezing and a moderate westerly wind. Unsettled and cloudy conditions are expected through the work week, but accumulations look light at best.... Expect a mostly fair weekend, with 8500' high temperatures in the mid-forties. Unfortunately, I don't see much hope for significant snowfall in the near future....

General Announcements

Our annual "Pray for Snow" fundraiser/party is scheduled for the evening of December 5 at the Italian Place in downtown Logan, and you are invited, so save the date...

Sign up early for one of our life-saving avalanche classes.......HERE And refresh your avalanche knowledge, check out some of our tutorials........HERE

Stay tuned for my early season intermittent updates, and I'll start issuing regular backcountry advisories as soon as there is enough snow for you to get out on...

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