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The avalanche danger is generally LOW. There is a slightly heightened danger in the upper elevations where recently formed wind drifts may release on very steep slopes. Use normal caution while traveling and don't let your avalanche guard down. Continue to look for "pillowy" looking drifts of snow and avoid those that are on very steep slopes.

There have not been any significant avalanches reported since early December.

Unseasonably warm temperatures have been helping to consolidate the snowpack. These warm temperatures have kept the surface from turning into faceted sugary snow. It is not uncommon during dry periods to have the surface "facet" and become loose which then can act as a weak layer once it gets buried. Typically, cold December temperatures would make this happen.

The second thing that the warm temperatures are doing is helping settle and strengthen the deeper layers including the faceted sugar snow on the ground in the higher more northerly facing terrain.

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Weather:

I'm expecting mostly cloudy skies and increasing southwest wind today. The wind may be pretty strong by the end of the day.

The next storm starts moving in with a southwest flow on Tuesday. We may see some light snow. Currently it looks like we'll get a good shot of snow on Christmas in the 5 inch range. Then another period should bring another 4 inches or so later on Thursday. Temperatures will cool off after Tuesday and remain cold through the week. It doesn't look all that windy during the storm. It's possible the lack of wind will hamper "orographic lift" which may limit snowfall.

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This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.