The cold temperatures over the Holiday Weekend didn't help the snowpack stabilize much; there is still a likelyhood of triggereing a persistent slab avalanche. Carefully assess the snowpack and allow for a large margin of error when choosing terrain. New snow is expected tonight and tomorrow which will continue to stress the weak layers. Look for clues from the snowpack, shooting cracks, and localized collapsing.
The cold temperatures over the Holiday Weekend didn't help the snowpack stabilize much; there is still a likelyhood of triggereing a persistent slab avalanche. Carefully assess the snowpack and allow for a large margin of error when choosing terrain. New snow is expected tonight and tomorrow which will continue to stress the weak layers. Look for clues from the snowpack, shooting cracks, and localized collapsing.
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Above Treeline
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Near Treeline
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Below Treeline
The surface hoar and near surface facets on top of the Thanksgiving crust that were buried with last weeks storm still make up the persistent slab that is lurking below the surface. Dig a pit in low angle terrain in a safe spot out of runnout zones to see how the layers are adjusting to the new loads in the areas you are traveling in.
| 0600 temperature: | 7 deg. F. |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 14 deg. F. |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | WNW |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 2 mph |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 5 mph |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | 3 inches |
| Total snow depth: | 35 inches |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Partly Sunny | Snow Likely | Snow Likely |
| Temperatures: | 19 deg. F. | 16 deg. F. | 23 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | SW | SW | W |
| Wind Speed: | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Expected snowfall: | 0 in. | 1-3 in. | 1-3 in. |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Partly Sunny | Snow Likely | Snow Likely |
| Temperatures: | 20 deg. F. | 15 deg. F. | 22 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | SW | W | SW |
| Wind Speed: | 3-5 | 3-6 | 7 |
| Expected snowfall: | 0 in. | 1-3 in. | 1-3 in. |
Avalanche conditions change for better or worse continually. Backcountry travelers should be prepared to assess current conditions for themselves, plan their routes of travel accordingly, and never travel alone. Backcountry travelers can reduce their exposure to avalanche hazards by utilizing timbered trails and ridge routes and by avoiding open and exposed terrain with slope angles of 30 degrees or more. Backcountry travelers should carry the necessary avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche probe or probe ski poles, a rescue beacon and a well-equipped first aid kit. For a recorded version of the Avalanche Advisory call (208)765-7323.
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