The avalanche danger is LOW, and avalanches are unlikely. Watch for unstable wind-drifted snow in upper elevation terrain.
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Weather and SnowThe "storm," or really just some clouds, moved through our area pretty quickly yesterday, leaving behind no new snow, more than a few disappointed riders, and, to add insult to injury, colder temperatures. Utah, like much of the Intermountain West, is struggling to hit average SWE (snow water equivalent) for the season, minus a few SNOTEL stations in the Uintas and at Tony Grove, which is 103% of normal this morning. We need a significant shift in the pattern to get back on track. The next chance for a weather change is possibly later next week, but the models are highly uncertain right now.
Slopes exposed to the sun will be firm and crusty this morning and may not soften at all today, given the colder temperatures. Sheltered, northerly slopes are holding recrystallized, weak snow, making for "loud powder" riding. Snow depths in low and mid-elevations are exceptionally thin, creating hazardous travel conditions due to rocks, downed trees, and barely covered branches.
This morning at the UAC Card Canyon weather station at 8700 feet, it's 10°F, and there is 41" of total snow. The Tony Grove Snotel at 8400 feet reports 11°F and 54" of total snow. On Logan Peak at 9700 feet, winds are blowing in the teens from the northwest, gusting to 21 mph. It's 8°F (wind chill is -7°F) on Paris Peak at 9500 feet, and the wind is blowing in the teens from the north. Today will be cold and sunny in the mountains, with highs in the teens F and light winds blowing from the north-northwest.
The GFS run for the next two weeks looks pretty grim. Like I said a while ago, if you are looking for powder, head east.
Recent AvalanchesNo avalanches have been reported recently. For all observations and avalanche activity in the Logan Zone, go HERE.
Traveling conditions are ok in the backcountry, and the snow is generally stable. You can expect generally safe avalanche conditions, but remember, LOW danger doesn't mean there's NO danger. Now is a great time to get out in the mountains, explore new terrain, and practice companion rescue with your backcountry partners in the fresh air and sunshine.
Surface hoar, pictured above, is just one of the many weak surface layers we are currently tracking. While super fun to ride through, this beautiful frost crystal can, once buried, become a persistent weak layer.
Use safe travel practices: travel with a partner, and cross or ride steep slopes one at a time while the rest of your group watches from a safe spot.
Are you interested in learning more about avalanches? Visit our education page for details on all our classes.
For more information, visit the UAC weather page here: UAC Weather Page For Logan-specific weather, go here: Logan Mountain Weather
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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.
