New snow and wind have been loading the snowpack this past weekend. Have some extra caution on wind loaded slopes. The prevailing winds were out of the Southwest so look for most of the new loading on northeast through southeast slopes. Cornices have grown quite a bit as well. Be aware of your location when approaching cornices. Enjoy the sunshine!
New snow and wind have been loading the snowpack this past weekend. Have some extra caution on wind loaded slopes. The prevailing winds were out of the Southwest so look for most of the new loading on northeast through southeast slopes. Cornices have grown quite a bit as well. Be aware of your location when approaching cornices. Enjoy the sunshine!
?
Above Treeline
?
Near Treeline
?
Below Treeline
A lot of the new snow the mountains received over the weekend got transported onto leeward slopes. I'd recommend avoiding steep wind loaded slopes, especially below ridges. There are areas around treeline that stayed pretty sheltered and still have good powder conditions to play in.
Most of the avalanche problem will be in the top meter of the snowpack. Persistent layers are a concern right now, but mostly on slopes that were wind loaded over the weekend. The more weight (new snow) that loaded on a slope, the more of a chance of waking up buried layers. Dense wind slabs over weak facets is a concern as well. There should be good visibility today, so look at the slope you're considering to slide on. If it looks wind loaded or really filled in with new snow, it might be good to find a different line. Cornices above you are a clear sign of wind loading.
| 0600 temperature: | 24 deg. F. |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 39 deg. F. |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | SW |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 6-12 mph |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 21 mph |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | 0 inches |
| Total snow depth: | 127 inches |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Sunny | Clear | Sunny |
| Temperatures: | 36 deg. F. | 18 deg. F. | 37 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | N | NE | NE |
| Wind Speed: | 3-6 | 2-5 | 4-8 |
| Expected snowfall: | 0 in. | 0 in. | 0 in. |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Sunny | Clear | Sunny |
| Temperatures: | 21 deg. F. | 7 deg. F. | 24 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | NW | NW | NW |
| Wind Speed: | 7-11 | 7-9 | 7-9 |
| Expected snowfall: | 0 in. | 0 in. | 0 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.
Switch to BASIC View
