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Observation: Central Bear River Range

Observation Date
12/26/2013
Observer Name
Weed
Region
Logan » Central Bear River Range
Location Name or Route
Natural Avalanche Cycle in the Central Bear River Range
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Beautiful weather in the mountains. Evidence of fairly strong overnight winds and drifting.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

The rain crust from 12-23-2013 is quite apparent in most areas, now covered by around 6 inches of re-crystallized graupel-filled snow. The breakable <1 to 5 cm translucent crust is on the surface and thick on the ridge tops and exposed west facing slopes, making for tricky traveling conditions in places.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Recent natural avalanches from Christmas Eve Cycle visible all over the place.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Comments

Here's a video look at the large natural Cornice Ridge Avalanche that occurred early Christmas Eve as an energetic cold front moved through the region....

Video

Views into the Mount Naomi Wilderness and Cottonwood Canyon revealed evidence of widespread natural avalanche activity.

A panorama from the top of Cornice Ridge shows the shallow coverage on the Central Bear River Spine.

Here's views of some natural avalanches in the Tony Grove Lake and Blind Hollow Saddle Areas. All these avalanches occurred round the same time, as the Tony Grove Snotel reported an inch of water gain overnight and the UDOT Hwy 89 Logan Summit weather station reported 58 mph wind gusts and sustained west northwest wind early Christmas Eve morning.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable