Observation: Beginner Bowl

Observation Date

2/17/2026

Observer Name

Pagnucco, Weed

Region

Logan » Logan River » Tony Grove » Beginner Bowl

Location Name or Route

Beginner Bowl Area

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Direction

Southeast

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Caught the afternoon break between storms, so observed no snowfall and light to moderate winds on ridges. 9200' temp at 1430 was about 15 F. Was able to see the range, but flat light was limiting.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

12"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

New snow was inverted with the top 4-5" denser than the rest. Made for ok trailbreaking, but glad it wasn't deeper. New snow contained quite a bit of graupel. Decent skiing conditions on low-angle terrain. Really good snowmobiling conditions. Coverage above about 8000' is good.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Cracking

Collapsing

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Was hoping to see some natural avalanches, but the lighting was flat. We had one giant collapse on a deep wind drift just off the ridgeline. The poor structure is everywhere, but it will take more of a load in some places to get it to budge. We observed some cracking and got a report from riders of a decent-sized shooting crack as well. The wheels did not fall off the bus today, but with another round of heavy snowfall incoming, I will stay well away from steep terrain for a while.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

7,500'

Slope Angle

27°