Avalanche Advisory
| Advisory: Logan Area Mountains | Issued by Toby Weed for January 26, 2013 - 6:39am |
|---|
 
Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
|
bottom line There is a MODERATE (or level 2) avalanche danger, heightened avalanche conditions exist, and triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on drifted mid and upper elevation slopes in the backcountry. Persistent slab avalanches are possible at all elevations, and you might trigger shallow soft slab avalanches on steep slopes with accumulations of heavy fresh snow on top of very weak preexisting snow. Wet avalanches are possible at lower elevations on slopes with saturated snow. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully, and continue to practice safe travel protocols.
|
 |
current conditions The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 7 inches of snow from Thursday containing an even inch of water equivalent. It's 31 degrees this morning, there is 49 inches of total snow, and 65% of average water content for the date. The 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station reports 26 degrees and overnight south winds averaging in the upper teens.. We'll find several inches of fresh moist and heavy snow on top of a variable base consisting of sun, wind, or rime crusts or very weak sugary faceted snow...
|
 |
recent activity A rider triggered a good sized soft slab avalanche in Miller Bowl, south of Tony Grove Lake yesterday afternoon. The 200' wide by around 14" deep avalanche released below the rider as he was side-hilling on a steep north facing slope at around 8600' in elevation. Nobody was caught. A natural wet avalanche cycle occurred yesterday at lower elevations in Logan Canyon, with loose wet avalanches hitting the Logan River several times, the Logan River Trail, and Hwy 89 in the Dugway area. Here's a link to our updated avalanche list...
|
Avalanche Problem 1over the next 24 hours
| type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
|---|
 |
Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
|
|
|
description
Winds continued from the southwest during Thursday's snowfall, creating areas with heightened avalanche conditions at upper and mid elevations... Triggered wind slab avalanches around one foot deep are possible on drifted upper and mid elevation slopes. Watch for and avoid stiffer fresh 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. Cracking and audible collapsing are red flags, and reevaluation of your route is recommended if you encounter these conditions.
|
Avalanche Problem 2over the next 24 hours
| type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
|---|
 |
Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
|
|
|
description
In some areas yesterday's heavy snow is not sticking well to the weak snow that was on or near the surface during the recent prolonged high pressure system. Avalanches may fail on very weak snow on either side of the 1-8 rime-crust, which is in tact and fairly widespread in the region. The preexisting snow on shady mid elevation slopes is especially weak, and triggered persistent slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes with significant accumulations of heavy new snow and possible at all elevations.... |
Avalanche Problem 3over the next 8 hours
| type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
|---|
 |
Above 8,500 ft.
7,000-8,500 ft.
5,000-7,000 ft.
|
|
|
description
Wet avalanches at lower elevations created quite a problem yesterday in the Logan Canyon Area. Lower elevation snow that has been kept very cold by the long lasting temperature inversion is warming significantly and becoming saturated. If temperatures rise further than expected at lower elevations today, wet avalanches will again become likely on steep slopes. Avoid steep lower elevation slopes with saturated snow and stay clear of potential terrain traps like gullies, creek beds, or trees below. |
 |
weather A little light snow is expected in the mountains today as another weak and moist storm dives mostly to our south. It'll be mostly cloudy and mild, with a southwest breeze. A more significant storm will impact the region on Sunday, with several inches of accumulation possible in the Bear River Range. A stormy pattern in a northwest flow should keep the inversions at bay and bring significant additional snow accumulations through most of next week..... Check out the new Logan Mountain Weather page...
|
| 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. |