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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Toby Weed
Issued by Toby Weed on
Wednesday morning, February 27, 2019
CONSIDERABLE: Areas with dangerous avalanche conditions exist at upper elevations. Triggered avalanches of wind drifted snow 1 to 3 feet deep are likely, and natural avalanches are possible. Dangerous conditions are more widespread in the northern Bear River Range. Warmth at lower elevations is causing the surface snow to be saturated, and wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes facing all directions.
  • Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and use extra caution in drifted upper elevation terrain.
  • Avoid and stay out from under large ridge top cornices and steep slopes with wind drifted or warm saturated snow.
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Weather and Snow
Dangerous conditions exist on some drifted slopes at upper elevations where human triggered wind slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet deep are likely. With a bit more snow, the northern part of the forecast area has more widespread danger. Wet avalanches are possible on lower and mid elevation slopes with saturated snow.
The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400' reports a few more inches of heavy new snow in the past 24 hours. It's 31º F and there's 87" of total snow containing 103% of average SWE for the date. It's 22º F, at the 9700' CSI Logan Peak weather station, and south-southwest winds are currently averaging around 30 mph, with a 51 mph gust early this morning.
A series of weather disturbances will impact northern and central Utah through Saturday. A more substantial storm system will bring widespread precipitation to the area this weekend. Snow showers will continue today, with 1 to 2 inches possible. High temperatures at 8500' are expected to be around 31º F, with 20 mph southwest winds. Snow showers are possible tonight, with little accumulation, low temperatures expected to be around 24º F, with continuing 11 to 18 mph south-southwest winds. Snow is likely tomorrow, with 1 to 3 inches possible, and 15 to 20 mph southwest winds.
Recent Avalanches
Natural avalanches of wind drifted snow were observed Monday at lower elevations on cross-loaded east and west facing slopes at around 7000' in elevation
An experienced skier was caught and carried by a wind slab avalanche near the North Ogden divide Monday. report is HERE
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist on drifted upper elevation slopes in some areas. After several days with strong and sustained southwest winds, drifts have become fairly hard and stubborn. Avalanches consisting of stiff wind drifted snow will probably be hard to trigger, but could be pretty big and destructive if you do. Hard wind slabs are tricky and sometimes let people get out on them before releasing.
  • You should stay clear of ridge top cornices, which have grown quite large in places. Cornices are likely to break much further back than expected and may trigger large avalanches on steep slopes below.
  • Avoid wind drifted snow on the lee side of major ridges and in and around terrain features like sub-ridges, scoops, stringers, cliff bands, and gullies.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Warm temperatures are melting the surface snow and creating heightened wet avalanche conditions on low and some mid elevation slopes. Natural and human triggered wet avalanches are possible on many slopes, with saturated snow above the prominent Valentines Day rain-crust. Loose wet avalanches could entrain significant piles of heavy snow on long slopes. Roller balls, pinwheels, and natural sluffs are signs that warm snow is unstable.
Additional Information
I will update this forecast Friday morning.
The new weather station at the WSU Bloomington Canyon Yurt is up and running. Data available HERE
Now is a great time to practice companion rescue techniques with your backcountry partners. You should check out and use the new Avalanche Beacon Training Park we set up at the Franklin Basin trailhead. Special thanks to Northstars Ultimate Outdoors, USU Outdoor Program, and Beaver Mountain Ski Patrol for helping us to make this possible.
General Announcements
The Beaver Mountain Backside is the backcountry, and it is avalanche terrain. Same goes for the steep rocky terrain adjacent to Cherry Peak Resort. If you leave a ski area boundary, you and your partners should carry and practice with avalanche rescue equipment and follow safe backcountry travel protocols.
Check out the improved weather links, road conditions, and weather links for each forecast region on the new UAC IOS App. Do you use the NOAA point forecast? If so, now you can bookmark your favorite weather locations in "My Weather" in the App. HERE
Are you new to the backcountry or looking to refresh your skills? The UAC has released a free 5-part avalanche skills eLearning series. HERE
If you would like to get the daily advisory by email you subscribe HERE.
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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. HERE You can call us at 801-524-5304, email by clicking HERE, or include #utavy in your Instagram.
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. The forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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