Avalanche Forecast

Mostly sunny weather is expected on Tuesday. This should not change the overall low avalanche danger and no avalanche problems are expected west of the crest. Previous loose wet avalanches, consolidation and low solar input should make more loose wet avalanches very unlikely. Watch for soft wet snow on steep solar slopes or initial natural releases that would indicate conditions could be different than expected.

As a general backcountry travel safety note, watch for terrain hazards (exposed rocks, trees, streams, etc.) at lower elevations and on wind scoured aspects. On non-solar aspects with a slick and supportable crust, take extra caution when traversing steep slopes and be prepared to self-arrest if necessary.  

West of the crest about 5-15 inches of snowfall on 4 January was followed by about 3 to 7 inches of rain on 5 January with a warming trend. This led to a natural avalanche cycle west of the crest.

Dry and unseasonably warm weather followed last week. This drained, consolidated and generally reset the upper or even entire  snowpack. There were also some loose wet avalanches. Melt-freeze crusts of varying thicknesses formed during the clear nights midweek with generally only southerly aspects softening.  On some windward or southerly aspects there is little snow cover.

Mild temperatures and a few light rain showers were received Saturday, followed by cloudy weather and a slight cooling trend Sunday, and decreasing clouds today. This should not change the overall stable snow pack and current low danger.