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

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