Observation: Chicken Hill

Observation Date
1/30/2026
Observer Name
Pagnucco, Shade
Region
Logan » Logan River » Bunch Grass » Chicken Hill
Location Name or Route
Chicken Hill
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Mixed bag of cloud cover today with sunny conditions to start, but increasing cloud coverage throughout the day. Kept temps on the cooler side. 31F max temp. Benign weather.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

What a difference 3 inches of snow can make. In some places. While the most sheltered N-facing terrain held cold snow (new on top of faceted loose) and had good turning conditions, in exposed terrain, we found wind buff, MF crusts, soft snow, etc. - the whole gamut, which made for unpredictable turning conditions.

HS about 110 cm at 8800' N facing. New surface snow is beginning to facet. Coverage was better than expected, and the way in and out was softened by new snow. Could ski from the highway.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Observed no red flags today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

We mostly observed where the wind had stripped away snow, but I can imagine there might be small wind slabs on top of weak snow in extreme, exposed terrain.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
26°
Comments

The now shallowly buried NSFs are still alive and well. The few inches of new snow will soon turn into facets as well with the upcoming high pressure.

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