Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Logan Area Mountains Issued by Toby Weed for Monday - December 14, 2015 - 7:24am
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CONSIDERABLE (level 3): Expect a rising avalanche danger in the backcountry as existing widespread weak sugary snow is overloaded by today's storm. Avoid and stay out from under drifted upper elevation slopes and obvious or historic avalanche paths. ​

  • Heightened avalanche conditions exist already​ this morning in drifted terrain at upper elevations​, and you could trigger dangerous persistent slab avalanches.
  • Conditions will get more dangerous and the danger more widespread by this afternoon, triggered avalanches will become likely on drifted slopes steeper than 30 degrees, and some natural activity is possible tonight.




current conditions

The 8000' Ben Lomond Peak Snotel reports 6" of new snow this morning, with 7/10 of an inch of water. The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' has not updated this morning, but at 11:00 last night reported 25 inches of total snow containing 65% of average water content for the date. Prefrontal south winds were strong last night, with the CSI Logan Peak weather station reporting 30 mph hourly averages, but they've diminished significantly overnight, currently reading light winds from the west and it's 15 degrees at 9700' this morning.

Very weak faceted snow is widespread at mid and upper elevations in the Bear River Range, and it's now capped by a rather inconsistent rime or rain-crust. A heavier slab layer is now developing on top of the loose faceted snow.

Loose faceted snow crystals plague the shallow snowpack in the Logan Zone, now capped by plaster-like heavy snow and rime from last week. (12-8-2015)

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. As far as I could see, only sledders made it very far up the road last week. 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 to the shallow powder, 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

No avalanche activity has been reported in the Logan backcountry recently.
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

The avalanche danger will rise with continuing snowfall today. Very weak faceted snow is widespread across the zone at mid and upper elevations. Last week's moist snow and rime capped the sugary old snow with a plaster-like coating. This will probably hold things together for a little while and allow a heavier slab to form. In some areas the very weak snow will be overloaded more quickly than it will in others. Heightened conditions already exist on drifted upper elevation slopes, and dangerous conditions are developing as more snow piles up today and tonight. Natural avalanches are possible tonight as snowfall rates increase yet again, and the avalanche danger is likely to increase and become more widespread tomorrow.

Pay close attention to signs of unstable snow like whoompfing and shooting cracks, and be willing to reevaluate your plans. In these conditions you might trigger avalanches remotely, from a distance or worse, from below!
weather

We'll see continuing, perhaps showery, snowfall today, west northwest winds and dropping temperatures. 2 to 4 inches of additional accumulation is expected today, with another good shot possible tonight. 3 to 7 inches of accumulation is forecast for tonight, with 10 to 15 mph north winds. Unsettled, wintery weather is expected to continue through the week.
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. 

I'll update this advisory throughout the season on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings by about 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.