Blues

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist today.  Use caution around creeks or gullies that would increase the consequences of even a small avalanche.  

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The snowpack does not like rapid change and most avalanches occur right around that spike in snow, rain, wind, or temperatures.  Today is a status quo day with similar warm, above-freezing temps in the last 48+ hours at 5000'.  Although forecasted to be mostly cloudy, if the sun does make a major appearance, continue to watch for wet loose activity, often previewed by rollerballs or pinwheels.  

A mild day is in store for the Blues before precipitation resumes Saturday.  In my observation Wednesday, I found relatively consistent snow heights in meadows on different aspects.  In two data points at 4800', I found very good stability in the one on the NE and 2 sudden results and propagation on the one on the SW.  The layer of concern was F+ hard small rounding facets from the gap in precipitation in late November. 

Below 4500', there is hardly any snow, as shown by looking into grassy canyons.  Coverage is also very thin in the woods with stumps exposed.  

If you are visiting the area or took some time away from reading the forecast, take a look at the Conditions Blog (next to Weather and above the Dange Scale triangle).  How did our snowpack get here?