Clemina Creek Post New Year!

<p>Still in a massive drought up here....the last significant snowfall seems like last year but the differences in weather such as, frigid temps, warm temps, strong winds and minor snowfall have really created a mix bag in our snowpack. Today we observed temps at valley bottom begin at -14 only to rise to above zero at upper treeline elevations. Warming temps began at the 1200m mark. The last few evenings have been perfect for development of a new surface hoar layer that seems widespread from 1200 meters all the way up to alpine elevations...awesome...we needed another one of these to follow. We are being dealt a very difficult card this year snowpack wise and we must certainly play a good hand if we are blessed with new snowfall. The last couple of days have seen an inversion beginning around 1200 meters and the surface snow is beginning to consolidate which can aid in the formation of or likelihood of slab avalanche activity. Two notable avalanches, one natural triggered solar sluff on as steep rocky alpine outcrop sz1 which looks to have happened yesterday and one sz1.5 suspect sled triggered windslab on a NW convex rocky feature at upper treeline. The warmer temps and recent winds can contribute in increased avalanche activity. If you have ridden over the last month and pushed things a little bit due to a lower hazard, things are likely changing and its now time to get back to being conservative until you can prove otherwise. Every day is a new day and a new challenge. Ride safe.</p>