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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Paige Pagnucco
Issued by Paige Pagnucco on
Saturday morning, January 18, 2025
There is MODERATE avalanche danger, and human-triggered avalanches are possible in upper and mid-elevation terrain. The problem is most pronounced along ridgelines and around lee terrain features, and here, you could trigger sensitive slabs of wind-drifted new snow. Isolated deep slab avalanches, breaking 2 to 4 feet deep on a persistent weak layer, are unlikely, yet the consequences could be severe.
  • Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and continue to practice safe travel protocols by only exposing one person at a time to avalanche risk.
  • You'll find very good shallow powder riding conditions in shaded, sheltered terrain.
  • Prepare for very cold temperatures for the next few days and adjust your travel plan accordingly.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
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Weather and Snow
Avalanches of wind-drifted snow could be a foot or so deep, as only about 4-6 inches of low-density powder fell yesterday and overnight. The new snow will improve riding conditions, and I expect today's wind slabs to be isolated to prominent ridgelines and lee terrain features. The likelihood of triggering a persistent deep hard slab avalanche is very low, but we are still suspicious of slopes holding poor snowpack structure, mainly on the north half of the compass. Yesterday, we found very good, fast, settled powder riding conditions in shaded, sheltered, mid and high-elevation terrain where the snow surface has weakened and become faceted in the top 3-5 inches. Surface hoar, too, has developed in protected terrain, making for "loud" powder turning. *Be prepared for very cold temperatures today through Monday. Plan accordingly and have extra layers, warm drinks, and a fire starter, in case of an emergency.
-The 8400' Tony Grove Snotel reports 8° F, with 61 inches of total snow (102% of normal SWE for the date).
-Winds blowing from the northwest this morning at 9700 feet. At the CSI weather station on Logan Peak, the wind is blowing 15 mph with gusts of 25 mph, and it's 1° F.
At our Card Canyon station, it's 5° F at 8800 feet, and there is 48 inches of snow total.
-On Paris Peak at 9500 feet in Bloomington Canyon, it is -1° F, and the winds are blowing from the north-northeast at 13 to 17 mph. The windchill is -19° F. Brrrr.
Today will eventually be mostly sunny but very cold in the mountains, with an expected high of 11° F at 8500'. Winds will blow from the north-northwest at 10-15 mph, making it feel even colder. A small disturbance will come through the zone on Sunday, bringing clouds and possibly a snow shower, but little accumulation is expected. The cold temperatures are the big story for at least the next few days before a gradual warmup begins toward the end of the week.
For more information, visit the UAC weather page here: Weather - Utah Avalanche Center
For Logan-specific weather, go here: Logan Mountain Weather - Utah Avalanche Center
Recent Avalanches
  • Read about all avalanches and observations in the Logan Zone HERE.
  • Remember, the information you share about avalanches you see or trigger could save lives.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
it is possible to trigger small avalanches of wind-drifted snow today. Drifting from yesterday and overnight built shallow wind slabs of new snow in exposed upper and mid-elevation terrain (think Wellsville's ridgelines). These could be sensitive today as they were formed on weak surface snow.
  • Avalanches of wind-drifted snow are most likely on the lee side of major ridges, especially on slopes capped by cornices.
  • Fresh wind slabs may be found in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub-ridges, gullies, and scoops.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Dangerous hard slab avalanches failing on a persistent weak layer buried 2 to 4 feet deep are unlikely but remain possible in isolated or outlying terrain with poor snow structure. Weak faceted snow exists near the ground on almost all northerly-facing slopes at upper elevations. While the snow is becoming more stable, the buried, sugary, persistent weak layer near the ground is still a potential problem. While the new light snow won't add much weight to this problem, it is still on my radar and I plan to avoid slopes with faceted snow at the bottom of the snowpack.
  • Rocky windswept slopes with thin snow cover are the most suspect.
  • Isolated avalanches might be triggered remotely (from a distance) or from below.
  • No signs of instability may exist when these avalanches occur.
Additional Information
We are tracking the next weak layer - our current snow surface, consisting of surface hoar and near-surface facets.
General Announcements
-National Forest Winter Recreation Travel Maps show where it's open to ride: UWCNF Logan, Ogden LRD Tony Grove, Franklin Basin CTNF Montpelier
-For all questions on forecasts, education, Know Before You Go, events, online purchases, or fundraising, call 801-365-5522.
-Remember the information you provide could save lives, especially if you see or trigger an avalanche. To report an avalanche or submit an observation from the backcountry, go HERE.
-Receive forecast region-specific text message alerts to receive messages about changing avalanche conditions, watches, and warnings. Sign up and update your preferences HERE.
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions, and local variations always occur.
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