The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE today above 8000' on steep slopes that face west, north and east. Cracking and collapsing of the snowpack continues which are red flags to dangerous avalanche conditions. Continue to avoid steep slopes above 8000' that face west, north and east.
The new snow from Monday night did not change the avalanche conditions much. That said, things still remain dangerous. See the video below about how the Persistent Weak Layer of facets near the ground is acting. Also be sure to check out this well documented backcountry observation from John Pikus.
Current Conditions: The snow that fell on Monday night was very low density powder and there was no wind. The wind did increase from the north a bit overnight and has since slowed again. Temperatures are generally in the teens but some stations in drainage bottoms are in the single digits.
Mountain Weather: We'll see increasing clouds later today ahead of the next weak storm that will move through Thursday. Highs today will be in the upper teens. It looks like the wind may be slightly breezy from the north today along the higher most exposed terrain. Thursday's storm won't produce much snow, perhaps just a trace to a couple inches.
