Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Logan Area Mountains Issued by Toby Weed for Monday - November 23, 2015 - 7:15am
bottom line

There's a MODERATE or (level 2) danger at upper elevations in the backcountry, and heightened avalanche conditions exist, especially on previously drifted slopes. You could trigger dangerous persistent slab avalanches on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees, and shallow snow conditions mean a ride in any avalanche could be very dangerous, with rocks and down trees adding to the risk. Avoid steep, previously drifted terrain and continue to use wise travel protocols.




special announcement

Join us for a free avalanche awareness talk with the USU Outdoor Recreation Program at 7:00 on December 1

Don't miss the 12th annual Utah Avalanche Center in Logan's "Pray for Snow" party and fundraiser, the evening of December 3, again at the Italian Place in Downtown Logan.. For info and tickets go ............HERE

current conditions

The upper elevation snow is gradually gaining strength after last week's new load, but there are still areas where you could trigger dangerous persistent slab avalanches. The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports 31 degrees this morning and 19" of total snow containing 89% of average water for the date. The CSI Logan Peak weather station at 9700' reports 30 degrees and strengthening southwest winds, currently showing average wind speeds in the upper twenties.


This avalanche on a steep north facing slope above the Tony Grove Campground and near Beginner Bowl was probably remotely triggered by a skier Friday. (11-22-2015)


Words of warning: Very shallow, early season conditions exist, and you are still likely to hit rocks or woody debris in most areas. The Tony Grove Road is not maintained in the winter for wheeled vehicles, and road conditions are icy, snowy, drifted-in and treacherous, so come prepared. The upper section of the road and the loop at the lake were impassible over the weekend. The Tony Grove Area is a shared use area and very popular in the early season, so please watch your speed, use patience, and be respectful of other users. For easier access, Beaver Mt. allows uphill travel and appreciates early season users packing down the weak snow. Remember while the lifts are closed, the area is considered backcountry .


It's time to dust off and check the condition of your avalanche rescue equipment. Review and practice Companion Avalanche Rescue with our video..........HERE****


recent activity

We counted at least 6 good sized natural avalanches off Cornice Ridge and visible from the Tony Grove Road. These soft slab avalanches on northeast and east facing slopes above 9000' occurred on Friday 11-22-15 after Thursday night's heavy snowfall. There was also significant activity on the west side of Tony Grove Lake and an avalanche just above the campground that was probably remote triggered by skiers in the popular Beginner Bowl Area on Friday afternoon.

Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

You could trigger dangerous persistent slab avalanches in previously drifted upper elevation terrain. Avalanches will release on weak faceted snow in the basal layers of the snowpack and will include all the snow, sliding to the ground. Due to the shallow snow conditions, a ride in even a small avalanche could be traumatic or potentially deadly.

weather

It'll be mostly sunny and breezy in the mountains today, with 8500' high temperatures around 42 degrees and westerly winds on the ridges. It'll be partly cloudy tonight, with low temperatures around 24 degrees. The next Pacific storm will impact the Logan Zone Wednesday night and Thanksgiving Day with 6 to 10 inches of accumulation possible at upper elevations.

general announcements

Please submit snow and avalanche observations from your ventures in the backcountry HERE. You can call us at 801-524-5304 or email HERE, or include #utavy in your Instagram or Tweet us @UAClogan. To report avalanche activity in the Logan Area or to contact the local avalanche forecaster call me, Toby, at 435-757-7578. 

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.