Logan, Utah, is a city nestled within the Cache Valley, known for its cold, snowy winters. The valley sits between the Bear River Range to the east and the Wellsville Mountains to the west, creating a distinct microclimate. This analysis addresses the snowfall amounts experienced within the city limits and the surrounding area.
Logan City’s Average Annual Snowfall
The official average annual snowfall for Logan City, based on the 1991 to 2020 climate normals, is approximately 61.5 inches. This figure represents the long-term accumulation measured at a central station, typically the airport or a similar low-elevation point. The 61.5-inch measurement reflects the most current 30-year average used by climate scientists.
This annual total is not distributed evenly throughout the winter season, but concentrates during the coldest months. For instance, the average monthly snowfall in January, which is typically the snowiest month, reaches about 13.5 inches.
The presence of the mountains on both sides of the valley influences this total by creating a localized weather pattern. The elevation of the city, sitting around 4,500 feet above sea level, is a factor that allows precipitation to fall as snow more frequently than in lower-elevation areas of the state. This average accumulation means that the city experiences multiple snow days each year where measurable snow of 0.1 inches or more falls.
Seasonal Timing and Duration of Snow Events
The typical snow season in Logan extends across approximately six months of the year, beginning in the late fall and concluding in the spring. The first measurable snowfall of the season usually occurs in November, signaling the start of the colder, snowier period. While snow flurries can happen as early as late October, consistent accumulation generally begins closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The period of heaviest accumulation is concentrated from December through February, with January consistently ranking as the peak month for snow volume. During these three months, the city receives the majority of its annual total. Temperatures drop significantly during this time, ensuring that snowfall remains on the valley floor rather than melting immediately.
As the calendar moves into March, snowfall events become less frequent and accumulations tend to be lighter, though significant late-season storms can still occur. The season typically concludes with the last measurable snowfall falling sometime in April. The valley transitions into the warmer, drier conditions of late spring and summer.
Cache Valley’s Mountain Snow Zones
Snowfall amounts vary drastically from the valley floor of Logan City up into the surrounding mountains of Cache Valley. The higher elevations of the Bear River Range capture substantially more precipitation. This phenomenon, known as orographic lifting, forces air upward, cooling it and causing moisture to condense and fall as snow.
A dramatic example of this disparity is seen at locations like Beaver Mountain ski resort, situated in the mountains northeast of the city. While Logan City receives an average of 61.5 inches annually, Beaver Mountain’s average annual snowfall is reported to be around 193 inches. This nearly threefold increase in snow demonstrates the profound effect of elevation on local weather patterns.
These significant mountain totals contribute to the overall snowy reputation of the region, even though the city itself receives a more moderate amount. The large snowpack in the high-elevation zones is also a valuable source of water runoff for the entire Cache Valley watershed in the spring and summer months. The mountains act as a large, natural reservoir, storing precipitation that far exceeds what falls in the developed areas below.