While obvious warning signs like cracking and collapsing are less frequent, a persistent weak layer of faceted snow that formed in the January dry spell remains intact. The sugary weak layer is now buried 2 to 3 feet deep, and the avalanches it can produce are large, destructive, and deadly. As the snow gradually stabilizes, avalanches become harder to trigger, and there are fewer obvious signs of instability, but the consequences of getting caught remain the same. No need to sidehill the steep gully walls or step out into bigger terrain, as there is excellent powder riding on low-angle slopes and in open meadows, well away from avalanche terrain and out from under steep slopes. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance, and they can be triggered from the flats below steep slopes. In several of the recent avalanche accidents in Utah, the deadly slides were likely triggered from way below. Staying disciplined with terrain choices—keeping slope angles under 30 degrees and avoiding runouts—remains the best and safest way to enjoy these conditions right now.

Currently, at 8700 feet, the UAC Card Canyon station reports 30°F, and there's 55 inches of total snow. The Tony Grove Snotel, located at 8400 feet, reports 23°F, and there's 66 inches of total snow. Winds on Logan Peak are blowing from the south-southwest 20 to 34 mph. It's 24°F on Paris Peak at 9500 feet, and the wind is blowing 16 to 25 mph from the south-southwest. Today will be another beautiful day in the mountains with sunny skies and 8500' high temps near 37°F and 8 to 11 mph winds blowing from the southwest. Snow is expected tomorrow and tomorrow night, with 6 to 10 inches of accumulation possible in favored upper elevation terrain. Moderately strong winds (15 to 20 mph, with gusts in the mid-thirties) from the west-southwest will be enough to drift the new snow.

Although the weekend has passed, dangerous avalanche conditions still exist in the backcountry. The video below shows recent avalanche activity in the Logan Zone...