Today's snowfall won't change the avalanche danger which remains LOW. Avalanche conditions are generally safe and human triggered slides are unlikely. By the end of the day, if a few more inches of snow accumulate and north winds increase, you could find a few very small and very shallow slabs of wind drifted snow in isolated locations that could slide.
If several inches of snow accumulate today and north winds increase later today, there could be a few, very small drifts at upper elevations that could break and avalanche. However these would be a few inches deep and tens of feet wide at the most.
There have been no avalanches reported
Currently: It's beautiful to see some snowfall no matter how little. As of 5 a.m. an inch of snow has fallen. Temperatures are in the low 20s F at many trailheads and mid to low teens F at ridgelines. Winds from the west are averaging 4-8 mph gusting to 15 mph.
Today: Snowfall will continue today and end tonight with another few inches accumulating....maybe 4 inches total if we're lucky. Winds will shift direction and come from the north this afternoon bringing cold air that will prevent temperatures from warming any today. Expect mountain temperatures to remain in the teens F. Winds will increase this afternoon and blow 20 mph.
Looking ahead: The rest of the week and weekend will have dry and cool weather. Another storm should arrive late Sunday night or early Monday morning. This one looks more promising.
Today's snow is capping a wide variety of snow surfaces which will determine future avalanche conditions as more new snow accumulates. There is an incredible amount of variability in the old snow surface which consists of weak facets, crusts of varying thicknesses and hardnesses, wind eroded and sculped snow, and some areas are simply covered in tracks.
Yesterday Drew was on Reynolds peak and provided a good summary of snow surface conditions in his observation HERE. Two regular observers on Monday on the PC Ridgeline and in White Pine also gave good summaries of similar findings.
The challenge in the future is that having such a wide variety of snow surfaces means there will be a wide variety of stability from slope to slope and the pattern will be complex and tricky to map.
Who's up for some free avalanche training? Get a refresher, become better prepared for an upcoming avalanche class, or just boost your skills. Go to https://learn.kbyg.org/ and scroll down to Step 2 for a series of interactive online avalanche courses produced by the UAC.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
