THURSDAY NIGHT: Don't miss the 12th annual Utah Avalanche Center in Logan's "Pray for Snow" party and fundraiser, the evening of December 3, again at the Italian Place in Downtown Logan.. For info and tickets go ............HERE

It's twenty degrees this morning at the 8400' Tony Grove SNOTEL and there's 21 inches of total snow on the ground containing 69% of average water content for the date. In areas exposed to last week's wind the snow is quite variable​, with evidence of significant drifting and scouring. At mid elevations and in sheltered terrain the shallow snow is mostly just "rotten" or faceted and weak to the ground. I found some nice fast shallow powder riding conditions yesterday, but with the widespread thin snow cover you'll probably want to stick to the roads, meadows, and smooth low angled terrain.

I found extensive evidence of recent strong winds in route to the Tony Grove-Blind Hollow Saddle. In terrain exposed to the wind I found fresh soft drifts up to a couple feet deep, very hard older wind slabs, areas with supportable wind-board, and areas scoured to the bone. (12-1-2015)

Words of warning: Very shallow, early season conditions exist, and you are still likely to hit rocks or woody debris in most areas. The Tony Grove Road is not maintained in the winter for wheeled vehicles, and road conditions are icy, snowy, drifted-in and treacherous, so come prepared. The Tony Grove Area is a shared use area and very popular in the early season, so please watch your speed, use patience, and be respectful of other users. For easier access, Beaver Mt. allows uphill travel and appreciates early season users packing down the weak snow. Remember while the lifts are closed, the area is considered backcountry .

It's time to dust off and check the condition of your avalanche rescue equipment. Review and practice Companion Avalanche Rescue with our video..........HERE****