The Bottom Line: Mild temperatures and a little sunshine will continue the weather pattern we’ve been experiencing for the past week. You may not see the snow surface soften, except in areas where you find fewer clouds. The greatest hazard you face may come from difficult travel conditions such as icy slopes and breakable crust.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
Multiple freezing levels Thursday, with a slight return of the east flow, may keep you changing layers as you travel. Despite the differences in temperature, there won’t be enough change in the weather to increase the avalanche danger. If the sun comes out, you may see the snow on southerly slope soften. If you find wet snow deeper than your ankle, it’s time to change to less sun effected slopes. Thursday will be the last quiet day of this high-pressure pattern. Today’s surface is tomorrow’s interface. Do you see weak snow that may get buried during this next storm? This is your chance to track the weak snow while it's still on the surface.
Difficult travel conditions may pose the greatest risk to backcountry travelers Thursday. You may encounter very firm, icy surfaces, breakable crust, or old wind-blown snow as you travel.
A stout crust form near Snow Lake Divide. In some locations the crust is firm and icy, in others, it’s breakable. Photo: Chip Daly
