Abajos

Isolated, unstable wind drifts exist on mid and upper elevation slopes facing N-E-SE and the avalanche danger is MODERATE in these areas. On N-E aspects the underlying snow has deteriorated into layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow and signs of instability such as collapsing and whumphing are being observed. Suspect slopes that have smooth, rounded deposits of wind drifted snow and pay attention to signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing.

Low snow cover is the biggest hazard out there right now with rocks and logs lurking just below the surface, and even a small avalanche triggered under these conditions can have serious and painful consequences.

Skies are clear, northerly ridge top winds are blowing in the 15-20 mph range, and 10,000' temperatures are in the mid-teens. Today look for sunny skies, light to moderate NW winds, and high temps in the mid 20's. The next storm system will clip by to the north bringing a chance of snow to the mountains on Thursday. With dry conditions returning through at least early next week.

Winter finally arrived in the region last weekend, bringing a decent shot of snow to the mountains, and even an inch or two to the valleys. Lower North Creek picked up 6" of new snow and upper elevations received up to 12". Matt Cozart was up yesterday and reported pretty uneven snow distribution with areas of deep drifting alongside bare ground. He also reported signs of instability such as whumphing, and cracking in the snow surface. These signs indicate that underlying old, weak snow is collapsing under the weight of recent and wind drifted snow. Read his observation here.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

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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.