The
Utah Avalanche Center Home page is: http://www.avalanche.org/~uac/
(click on) Utah
Avalanche Center in Logan for our home
page
Logan
Hello and good morning, this is Toby Weed of the
Current
Conditions:
A southwest wind picked up steam early this morning
and once again, snow is falling in the mountains around
Avalanche
Conditions:
I haven’t heard of any new
avalanches in the region since the active past weekend. A fairly widespread natural cycle occurred on
Sunday, and I went up to Maple Bench above Mendon to check it out
yesterday. A few of the large east
facing paths had avalanched during the storm, some expanding the meadows in the
run-outs, taking out a good number of
trees in the process. (Old Logway Canyon photos)
Strong
west winds this morning are drifting tons of snow into avalanche starting zones
and will continue to build stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain throughout the
day. These slabs may be quite sensitive
when soft, but could be stubborn when stiff, allowing you to get out on them before
releasing. The most substantial wind
deposits will be found today at upper elevations, under large growing cornices,
and near ridge lines. But significant drifting
is also likely on exposed slopes at lower elevations where weaker snow exists. Also,
vertical cross-loading will lead to slab formation near sub-ridges, in gullies,
and under cliff bands. Watch for and
avoid chalky looking or hollow sounding drifts or wind slabs on steep slopes
and be aware that a few inches of fresh powder may be hiding these traps.
Last
week’s snow and drifting overloaded some steep slopes with existing persistent
weak layers, and there is potential for some avalanches to step down to one of
several lingering weaknesses formed previously on the snow surface. In areas
with a shallow overall snowpack, like wind scoured slopes and those at lower
elevations, some avalanches could step all the way down to sugary depth
hoar near the ground.
Bottom Line:
There’s a CONSIDERABLE
danger on steep wind drifted slopes in the backcountry today, and triggered avalanches
are likely on a variety of exposed slopes and possible at all elevations. You’ll find a MODERATE
danger, with triggered avalanches still possible in more sheltered terrain. Avalanche training and experience are
essential for safe backcountry travel, and you should use good snow assessment and
safe travel techniques to minimize your risks.
Mountain Weather:
Expect to be tag-teamed by two quick-hitting windy storms today and
tomorrow. The National Weather Service
issued Snow and Blowing Snow Advisory through
this afternoon for the mountains of
General Announcements: This advisory will
expire in 24 hours from the posting time.
Go
to the Avalanche Encyclopedia if
you have any questions about terms I use in the advisory.
I'm very interested to know what
you're seeing out there. Please e-mail observations to me at [email protected] or leave me a message at 755-3638,
especially if you see or trigger an avalanche in the backcountry. We keep all
observations confidential.
The information in this advisory is
from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its
content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local
variations always occur.
