There is a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger rating for upper elevation northwest through southweast facing terrain.
Strong wind has drifted snow and will continue drifting snow today. These drifts and slabs that the wind is forming will be sensitive to the weight of a person. Avalanches may release naturally today also.
If you avoid areas where the wind has drifted snow, the avalanche danger is much lower.
Wind drifted snow is the main concern today. You'll want to avoid steep slopes in the higher terrain where the wind is depositing snow and forming drifts and slabs. Watch for cracking within the new snow which indicates unstable conditions.
The fresh drifts and slabs may still be sensitive on Satuday!
Current Conditions: The Skyline picked up another 6 inches of snow in the last 24 hours. Totals since Wednesday are 10 to 12" in many upper elevation locations. The wind is from the west and has increased with moderate to strong speeds over the last 12 hours. Temperatures are in the upper teens.
Mountain Weather: Snowfall is about over with this storm. It looks like clouds will linger over the mountains for most of the day, possibly clearing a bit later on. Right now (7am) we're seeing the strongest wind we'll see today. Speeds should decrease slightly however the wind is going to continue to blow from the west through the day with moderate to strong speeds along the higher terrain. High temperatures will get into the low 20s. The wind dies down tonight into Saturday morning. We'll see mostly clear skies Saturday with temperatures into the mid 30s. Wind from the southwest starts to increase late Saturday. Sunday looks partly cloudy and windy with high temperatures in the mid 30s. Another storm moves in Monday into Tuesday.
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.
