This is an archived and expired bulletin related to an avalanche fatality in Idaho. The forecast is for far northern Utah. Whether or not the fatality was technically within this area the information would apply. If it's not technically within this area it is very close. Forecast for the Logan Area Mountains Issued by Toby Weed for Saturday, February 20, 2021 DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS EXIST. There is CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on many steep slopes in the backcountry today. People are likely to trigger dangerous avalanches and natural avalanches are possible, especially on drifted upper elevation slopes. Avalanches could be large, destructive, and deadly. Use extreme caution in the backcountry. Expect unstable snow conditions. Choose safe routes in low angled terrain well out from under and not connected to drifted slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. Danger: Moderate below 7000' Considerable above 7000' Special Avalanche Bulletin The Utah Avalanche Center recommends people avoid travel on or underneath slopes steeper than about 30 degrees in the backcountry. Avalanches triggered by people could be extremely large, very dangerous, unexpected, and deadly. Even if you are experienced and have the proper avalanche safety equipment, you should still avoid all steep slopes in the backcountry. Weather and Snow Decent snowfall is visible on the Beaver Mountain Webcams this morning. Temperatures are also falling, there is a couple inches of new snow with 0.5" SWE in the last 24 hours, and it's 23°F at the 8400' Tony Grove Snotel. There is 82 inches of total snow and now 86% of normal SWE. West winds are still drifting snow this morning after blowing snow around at upper elevations yesterday, but the wind sensor on Logan Peak is down, (perhaps iced over). Very large natural avalanches were widespread across the Logan Zone on Tuesday, Tuesday night, and Wednesday. In several areas, natural avalanches were incredibly extensive, with nearly all avalanche paths producing big slides. Snow is expected in the mountains today, with 2 to 4 inches of additional accumulation possible on upper elevation slopes. High temperatures at 8500' will be around 17°F, with 15 to 20 mph northwest winds. Snow showers could continue at times this afternoon and tonight, with continuing northwest winds and 1 to 3 inches possible. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy, with high temperatures around 20°F and west winds creating wind chill values as low as -9°F. The weather pattern appears unsettled heading into next week. Recent Avalanches Clearing revealed that a significant natural cycle occurred across the Logan Zone, with many huge avalanches having occurred late in the big storm, (Tuesday night---->early Wednesday morning). Very large natural avalanches failing on a buried sugary persistent weak layer and running well out into lower elevation runout zones were widespread and occurred on slopes facing every direction. Reports of extensive and giant natural avalanches include most avalanche paths in the Wellsville Mountain and Mount Naomi Wildernesses, in Upper Spring Hollow, and Wood Camp Hollow. Big avalanches were also reported near Tony Grove Lake, Providence Canyon, Dry Canyon, Cub River, Franklin Basin, and in the Bloomington Lake Area above Bear Lake. A large natural avalanche was observed Thursday off the north shoulder of Logan Peak in Upper Spring Hollow. (thanks Wally) Ad to help fund the forest service Avalanche Problem #1 Persistent Weak Layer All aspects above 7000'; W-N-E above 5000' Likely Medium - Large Description Heavy snowfall and westerly winds added significant weight to slopes that were already near the tipping point. Buried persistent weak layers consisting of sugary faceted snow are widespread across the Logan Zone, and the threat of large and deadly avalanches failing on weak snow near the ground is quite real. Avalanches are likely on steep slopes that did not naturally avalanche recently, where a slab of more cohesive wind drifted snow formed on top of the weak snow. Avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer might be triggered remotely, from a distance, or worse from below! Cracking and collapsing of the snow are a red flag, indicating unstable snow conditions. Avalanche Problem #2 Wind Drifted Snow Above 8500' all aspects; N-E-S above 7000' Likely Medium - Large Description Avalanches of wind drifted snow are likely where drifts formed recently and are building today on slopes with buried persistent weak layers. Wind slabs are often rounded and chalky looking, and they can sound and feel hollow and drum-like when you walk on them. Watch for and avoid stiffer drifted snow near ridge tops and in and around terrain features like gullies, scoops, cliff bands, and sub ridges. Stay well back from cornice edges as they can break much further back than you expect and avalanches are likely on slopes below.