Avalanche Advisory
| Advisory: Logan Area Mountains | Issued by Toby Weed for January 23, 2013 - 7:16am |
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Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
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bottom line The snow is mostly stable, and there is a LOW (level 1) danger in the backcountry today. Avalanches are generally unlikely, yet possible on isolated steep slopes at all elevations. Pockets with heightened avalanche conditions and a MODERATE (or level 2) danger exist at upper elevations on some drifted slopes. You might trigger wind slab avalanches, where stiff drifts formed on top of weak sugary faceted snow. Loose wet avalanches are possible on sun-warmed slopes, as are triggered loose dry sluffs on very steep shady slopes with weak structureless snow. Use normal caution, avoid wind drifts on steep slopes, and continue to use safe travel protocols.
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current conditions The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 35 degrees this morning, there is 43 inches of total snow, and 62% of average water content for the date. The 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station reports 32 degrees and south-southwest winds averaging around 30 mph. Snow conditions are quite varied these days, with nice fast re-crystallized snow in sheltered shady areas, best at mid-elevations, and sun-crusts, wind-jack, rime-crusts, and shallow structureless snow elsewhere. Even so, it's worth the effort to escape the foul and stale air that remains trapped in Cache Valley. You'll find warmer breezy conditions in the mountains, with sunshine and increasing high clouds....
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recent activity No new avalanches were reported locally since the last storm almost two weeks ago (1-11) Here's a link to our updated avalanche list...
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Avalanche Problem 1over the next 24 hours
| type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
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Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
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description
Winds shifted around from the southwest yesterday and increased overnight, creating pockets with heightened avalanche danger at upper elevations... Despite an obvious lack of transportable snow, we noticed some drifting in exposed terrain yesterday, which likely continued with increased wind speeds overnight.. Older wind slabs around a foot deep are unlikely in most areas, but still possible at all elevations on drifted slopes. Watch for and avoid stiff wind slabs on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like cliff bands, sub-ridges, gullies, and scoops. Potential wind slabs are drifts that often appear smooth or rounded and chalky looking, and they sometimes sound rather hollow. Hard wind slabs might allow you to get out on them before releasing. Cracking and audible collapsing are red flags.
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Avalanche Problem 2over the next 24 hours
| type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
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Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
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description
Loose wet avalanches are possible on steep sun-warmed slopes in the midday heat, and warmer temperatures than we've seen all week are forecast for today. Loose dry sluffs are also possible on some steep sheltered slopes with loose and structureless re-crystallized or faceted snow. Avoid potential terrain traps like gullies or trees below steep slopes.
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Avalanche Problem 3over the next 24 hours
| type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
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Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
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description
Remember that although unlikely, avalanches are still possible with a LOW danger rating. You still need to carry your beacon, probe,and shovel and practice safe travel protocols. Only one person at a time while traveling across steep slopes while the rest of the party watches from a safer location.... Avalanches might occur on steep slopes at any elevation and are still possible in rather unexpected locations.... |
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weather Expect partly sunny skies and warm temperatures in the mountains today. High temperatures will reach the mid 40s at 9000', and we'll feel a sustained southerly breeze. A weakening disturbance will graze Northern Utah Thursday, which might bring us a little snow. The inversion will gradually weaken through the weekend, and we'll probably get some much needed relief from the smog. More light snow is expected on Saturday and there is a chance for a more significant storm early next week, but the models are still in disagreement. Check out the new Logan Mountain Weather page...
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| general annoucements Remember your information from the backcountry can save lives. If you see or trigger an avalanche, or see anything else we should know about, please send us your snow and avalanche observations. You can also call us at 801-524-5304 or email by clicking HERE. In the Logan Area you can contact Toby Weed directly at 435-757-7578. I will update this advisory on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings by around 7:30... This advisory is produced by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. It describes only general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist. |