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Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains

Trent Meisenheimer
Issued by Trent Meisenheimer on
Friday morning, March 15, 2024
Today, the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE across all upper-elevation steep slopes for wind-drifted snow (wind slab) avalanches. The strong northeast wind has created shallow, soft, or hard slabs of wind-drifted snow that could be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Human-triggered avalanches 1-2 feet deep are likely.
The avalanche danger could rise to MODERATE on southerly facing slopes during the day for wet snow avalanches.
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Special Announcements
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Weather and Snow
Under mostly clear skies, the mountain temperatures are 15-20 °F. The wind blows from the northeast at speeds of 10-20 mph across most of the low to mid-elevation terrain. Higher up on Logan Peak it's a different story as the wind is ripping from the northeast at speeds of 40-50 mph gusting into the 50s and 60s. In the past 24 hours, areas around Logan Peak have picked up roughly 7 inches of new snow. Beaver Mountain picked up 3 inches of new snow. This brings the 48-hour totals to roughly a foot of new snow.
Today, our closed low-pressure system has moved to the south and now spins over the California/Mexico border. As a result, we will be left with mostly sunny skies with temperatures climbing into the 30s and low 40s at about 8,000'. Unfortunately, the northeast wind will continue to wreak havoc, blowing 40-50 mph across the upper elevations.
Recent Avalanches
Yesterday, no new avalanches were reported. Check out all local observations and avalanches HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The wind has now been blowing at elevated speeds for the past 24 hours now. This morning the latest wind reading on Logan Peak is 47 mph gust 60. This wind combined with roughly a foot of new snow over the past two days has created sensitive soft or hard slabs of wind-drifted snow. Human-triggered avalanches 1-2 feet deep will be likely on wind-loaded slopes (wind slabs).
The tricky part: The wind direction is from the northeast which is not our typical loading pattern. In fact, the wind hardly ever blows from this direction. So, be on guard for unusual wind loading. Remember wind-drifted snow can look wavy, pillowy, or it can be hard and sound hollow like a drum.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Today, with mostly sunny skies, we must keep wet snow avalanches in our minds. It's March, the days are longer, and the sun is strong. South-facing terrain can change rapidly this time of year. Roller balls are the first sign of unstable wet snow. The wild card will be if the wind keeps the snow surface cool enough to off set the strong sunshine keeping the wet activity at bay.
General Announcements
-National Forest Winter Recreation Travel Maps show where it's open to ride: UWCNF Logan, Ogden LRD Tony Grove, Franklin Basin CTNF Montpelier
-Listen to your very own Logan Zone avalanche forecasters on the UAC Podcast HERE.
-Read Toby's blog about wind, drifting, and avalanches HERE.
-Sign up for forecast region-specific text message alerts. You will receive messages about changing avalanche conditions, watches, and warnings...HERE.
-For all questions on forecasts, education, Know Before You Go, events, online purchases, or fundraising, call 801-365-5522.
-To report an avalanche or submit an observation from the backcountry, go HERE.
-Come practice companion rescue at the Franklin Basin TH Beacon Training Park. It's free and open to everyone. For easy user instructions, go HERE.
-We will update this forecast by 7:30 AM tomorrow.
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions, and local variations always occur.
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