LOGAN — Utah officials are warning of “dangerous avalanche conditions” in the mountains near Logan as a potent winter storm blankets the region in heavy snow.
The Utah Avalanche Center reported that areas in Logan Canyon received up to 16 inches of snow by Saturday morning. The sudden accumulation, combined with strong westerly winds, has created precarious conditions on slopes that previously had little to no snow cover below 7,000 feet.
Forecasters have designated the avalanche risk as “considerable,” warning that the danger could escalate throughout the day. The risk is compounded by a layer of “weak, old snow” at higher elevations. UAC officials noted that the combination of recent warm temperatures, rainfall, and new heavy snow has created an unpredictable snowpack.
“Our forecast team collectively has not seen anything quite like this, especially in late December,” officials wrote. “This is to say, we have high uncertainty in the snowpack.”
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Sunday morning for several mountainous regions. Authorities warned that driving conditions will be the primary impact for travelers and urged motorists to exercise caution.
Further south, mountains from Ogden to Provo currently face a “moderate” avalanche danger, though that level could rise depending on final snowfall totals.
To mitigate risk, the UAC recommended that backcountry skiers and snowboarders avoid steep terrain and stick to protected, low-angle slopes under 30 degrees. Experts noted these areas not only offer better protection from slides but currently provide the best snow quality for recreation.
The UAC continues to monitor the storm’s impact on snowpack stability across the Wasatch Range. Officials urged recreationists to check updated forecasts before heading into the backcountry.