Another winter storm is on the door steps! Strong winds and snow will start today around 10 AM. This winter storm could produce 35'' of snow by the weekend. The snow from the last 7 days has settled down a bit and seems to be increasing strength. I expect all of the new snow, in the coming days, to ruin the snowpacks healing trend. Expect to see the avalanche danger start to rise with the arrival of this storm.
Another winter storm is on the door steps! Strong winds and snow will start today around 10 AM. This winter storm could produce 35'' of snow by the weekend. The snow from the last 7 days has settled down a bit and seems to be increasing strength. I expect all of the new snow, in the coming days, to ruin the snowpacks healing trend. Expect to see the avalanche danger start to rise with the arrival of this storm.
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Above Treeline
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Near Treeline
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Below Treeline
70'' of snow has fallen in most high elevation areas over the past 10 days. That's a lot of snow! So far the snowpack is adjusting well. The snowpack, for the most part is right side up (soft over firm) which is good, but be heads up with the new snow arriving later today. There are some hardness changes and some layers in the new snow to take note of... but for the most part I'm pleased with the cohesion of the last storm to the snowpack.
The last storm left a lot of snow avalible to be transported by wind. The wind has been depositing snow on to leeward slopes. Cornices and wind slabs have been growing recently. Areas of wind deposited snow should be looked at carefully. I expect signifigant wind transport and cornices growth over the next 5 days.
Get ready for another winter storm! It looks like the rain/snow line will hover around 2800'-3600'. For the most part I expect the upper elevations to see snow while the valleys may see a mixed bag of precipitation.
| 0600 temperature: | 31 deg. F. |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 36 deg. F. |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | SW |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 12-14 mph |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 25 mph |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | >1'' inches |
| Total snow depth: | 115 inches |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Rain / snow | Rain / snow | Rain / snow |
| Temperatures: | 36 deg. F. | 32 deg. F. | 36 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | SW | SW | SW |
| Wind Speed: | 6-8 | 6-8 | 3-5 |
| Expected snowfall: | >1'' in. | >1'' in. | >1'' in. |
| Tuesday | Tuesday Night | Wednesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | Snow | Snow | Snow |
| Temperatures: | 27 deg. F. | 21 deg. F. | 25 deg. F. |
| Wind Direction: | S | SW | SW |
| Wind Speed: | 16-21 | 29-32 | 22-27 |
| Expected snowfall: | 2-4'' in. | 3-7'' in. | 1-2'' 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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