There is a level 2 or Moderate avalanche danger in the backcountry, and heightened avalanche conditions exist on wind exposed upper and mid elevation slopes.. In some areas, pockets of a higher level 3 danger probably persist, and you could trigger dangerous persistent slab avalanches on slopes where a stiffer slab consisting of drifted snow formed on top of very weak sugary or faceted snow. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully this weekend and continue to avoid steep slopes with accumulations of stiffer drifted snow. You'll find safer conditions in sheltered and lower angled terrain, on sunny south facing slopes, and at lower elevations....

Enjoy the sun, shallow snow, and moderate avalanche danger while they last this weekend, since significant snow is on the way for next week and conditions won't be so nice next weekend. A good load of snow will cause the avalanche danger to rise significantly, and the backcountry will likely soon become a very scary place. The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 33 inches of total snow on the ground containing a sorry 47% of average water for the date, and its 29 degrees this morning. It's 23 degrees at the 9700' Campbell Scientific Logan Peak weather station. Winds increased from the south-southwest overnight and are now cranking out hourly average windspeeds in the mid thirties this morning... this week we've found a very quiet backcountry and some pretty nice soft Colorado-like sugar snow on north facing slopes and supportable spring-like corn snow on upper elevation south facing slopes. .

No avalanches have been reported in the Logan Area since skiers remote triggered a hard slab on White Pine Knob on the first day of the New Year. (go to our current conditions page for more details and reports of recent activity in Utah)

The high pressure system will start to break down today ahead of a fast moving and windy storm, which will bring a little snow to the area and open the door for a more productive weather pattern for the coming week. Expect warm, breezy, and sunny conditions in the mountains today, with 8000' high temperatures approaching 40 degrees and southwest winds in the twenties along the ridges.. Sunday will be warm and windier still with mostly sunny skies, but clouds increasing in the afternoon. A couple inches of snow will likely accumulate on mountain slopes late Sunday night and Monday morning. The weather pattern should continue to bring gradually increasing warmth, west winds, and Pacific moisture next week, with substantial accumulations possible in the mountains by next weekend....

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Please send us your observations from the backcountry especially if you see or trigger an avalanche, but also even if you don't.. go to avalanche and snow observations. You can also call me directly at 435-757-7578 or leave us a message at our office, 801-524-5304.... And, you can always send us a simple email by clicking HERE

I will update this advisory by around 7:30 in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.....

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.