With fresh slabs of wind drifted snow present from yesterday's winds, the avalanche danger is MODERATE on most upper elevation slopes. All other areas have a LOW danger, but a low danger does not mean no danger.
Look for fresh wind drifts from yesterday's winds. These drifts can be just under ridgetops or parallel to cross-loaded ridgelines. Fortunately this type of avalanche problem can stabilize quickly and is easy to see and avoid.
Yesterday on Ben Lomond Peak, skiers were able to easily trigger shallow slabs of wind drifted snow. See the great video below to see what these wind slabs looked like.
Yesterday the main weather factor was increased southerly winds averaging 10-20 mph gusting 20-30. The video below shows these winds drifting some snow in the Monte Cristo area. Winds eased overnight, and are only blowing 12-15 mph from the WSW on Ogden Peak. Temperatures are surprisingly even across all elevations with most weather station reporting temps in the low 20’s F.
Today under partly cloudy skies, temperatures will warm into the mid 20's F and winds will remain light.
Snow depths in the area generally range from 30-40 inches between 8000 and 9000 feet. Sunshine over the last two days warmed slopes facing due south which may have a crust on them this morning.
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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
