There is a level 2 or MODERATE avalanche danger in the backcountry, and heightened avalanche conditions exist on drifted upper elevation slopes and on slopes at lower elevations with saturated snow. In sheltered terrain and on the majority of slopes in the region there is a level 1 or LOW danger, and avalanches are generally unlikely. Use normal caution, but evaluate the snow and terrain carefully, especially in areas with drifted or saturated snow...

We found nice riding conditions in the Central Bear River Range yesterday. A bit of new snow on a nice supportable base, and you could ride almost anywhere you wanted. Most slopes that I've looked at recently appear stable and show good snow structure, and upper elevation terrain is well filled-in; good snow coverage for this time of year.

The Tony Grove Snotel reports about 5 inches of somewhat heavy new snow yesterday, and 6/10ths of an inch of water in the last 24 hours. There's 47 inches of total snow containing 170% of average water for the date. The Campbell Scientific Logan Peak weather station is reporting 20 mph southwest winds, and it's currently 25 degrees at 9700'.

I haven't received reports of any recent avalanches locally, but I noticed some fresh loose wet activity yesterday on my way down canyon and I suspect you might trigger wind slab avalanches on steep slopes near ridge-tops this weekend....

We'll see continued mild and cloudy conditions over the weekend, but the winds are not strong enough to push the inversion out of Cache Valley, and it looks like we're in for some smoggy weather in the coming week. There is a good chance we'll see a bit more snow in the mountains and rain in the valleys today, but don't expect much in the way of accumulation. The next Pacific system will affect the region Monday, with a few more inches of accumulation possible in the mountains. At this point the storm doesn't appear strong enough to mix out the valleys, and stagnant air will remain trapped through the coming week.

We're offering another free backcountry avalanche awareness/Know Before You Go talk on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:00 downstairs at the Logan Ranger District office 1500 E Hwy 89 in Logan....

You can view a photo summary of last year's avalanche activity in the Logan Area HERE

Send us your avalanche and snow observations. You can also call me at 435-757-7578, or email to uac@utahavalanchecenter.org

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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.