Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Logan Area Mountains Issued by Paige Pagnucco for Wednesday - April 4, 2018 - 6:37am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is LOW with generally stable conditions though low danger does not mean NO danger. Triggered, isolated wind slabs are still possible near ridgelines and upper elevation exposed terrain features. Stay well back from cornices as they can break back further than expected.

We will update this advisory by 7:30 Friday morning, 4/6/18.




special announcement

Lift tickets for Snowbasin and Powder Mountain remaining. The tickets are discounted almost 50%. Details and order information here. All proceeds from these go towards paying for avalanche forecasting and education!
current conditions

Snow surfaces are quite firm and riding conditions are mostly supportable. You'll find dust on crust and wind scour on most exposed aspects with the possibility of some softer snow in sheltered terrain well off the ridgelines.

  • The Logan Peak weather station reports 24 F. Tony Grove reports 30 F with 69" total snow (81% average SWE).
  • The UDOT weather station at Hwy 89 Logan Summit reports 30°F with calm winds.
recent activity

I observed a small natural wind slab avalanche yesterday in the Wellsville Mountain Wilderness on a northeast facing slope near 8700'. It likely released during Monday's strong wind event.

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

Avalanche danger is generally low but that doesn't mean avalanches can't happen. Here are some things to keep in mind if you're headed
into the backcountry today:

  • It may still be possible to trigger an isolated wind slab in upper elevation terrain close to ridgelines or near exposed terrain features.
  • Stay well back from cornices as they can break back further than you expect.
  • Warming daytime temperatures may soften the snow too much and allow for small, triggered loose wet avalanches.
  • Firm conditions on steep slopes offer slide-for-life conditions - avoid high consequence terrain to minimize your exposure.
  • Always carry avalanche rescue equipment and practice safe travel protocols by only exposing one person at a time.
weather

Today will be mostly cloudy with a high temp near 39 F and light to moderate westerly winds. There's a chance for snow with little accumulation expected. Unsettled weather remains in place until the weekend when a stronger system is forecast to bring abundant moisture - how much of that will fall as snow is uncertain right now.

Tonight: Isolated snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. West wind 13 to 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Thursday: A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. West southwest wind 10 to 14 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Thursday Night: Snow showers, mainly after midnight. Low around 34. West southwest wind 11 to 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

general announcements

We have lift tickets for Snowbasin and Powder Mountain remaining. The tickets are discounted an additional 20%. Details and order information here. All proceeds from these go towards paying for avalanche forecasting and education!

Episode 7 of the UAC Podcast "Mastery and False Mastery - An Interview with 'Big' Don Sharaf" is live. With a snow career spanning over 30 years, Don has enough mileage in the mountains to have learned a thing or two, including the profound value of humility when staring into the face of the dragon. Listen in on our conversation about the idea of mastery and if such a thing can exist in the avalanche world. Check it out on ​the UAC blog, ITunes, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The UAC has new support programs with Outdoor Research and Darn Tough. Support the UAC through your daily shopping. When you shop at Smith's, or online at Outdoor Research, REI, Backcountry.com, Darn Tough, Patagonia, NRS, Amazon, eBay a portion of your purchase will be donated to the FUAC. See our Donate Page for more details on how you can support the UAC when you shop.

Benefit the Utah Avalanche Center when you buy or sell on eBay - set the Utah Avalanche Center as a favorite non-profit in your eBay account here and click on eBay gives when you buy or sell. You can choose to have your seller fees donated to the UAC, which doesn't cost you a penny Check it out on ITunes, Stitcher, the UAC blog, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Now is a great time to practice companion rescue techniques with your backcountry partners. Here's our rescue practice video.

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Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations. You can also call us at 801-524-5304, email by clicking HERE, or include #utavy in your Instagram.

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.