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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik for
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
The overall avalanche danger is MODERATE.
There are two things to look out for today:
  1. Wet avalanches due to warming of the new snow. Avoid steep terrain if the new snow becomes overly wet and sloppy. Pinwheels are a clue.
  2. Lingering sensitive wind slabs most pronounced in the higher more easterly facing slopes may still be sensitive today.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
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Weather and Snow
Current Conditions: A few more inches accumulated on Tuesday bringing storm totals since Saturday up to 16". The central area of the Skyline has received the most snow. There was a little wind from the northwest on Tuesday that was drifting some snow in the higher exposed terrain. Temperatures have remained cool with daytime highs in the low to mid 20s and teens overnight. Riding conditions are quite good.
Mountain Weather: It looks like we should see some clearing this morning then high clouds moving in this afternoon. Temperatures are going to be warmer today with highs getting into the low 30s. Wind will generally be light from the west then later, southwest. There's more snow on the way. We'll see periods of snow starting Thursday night and lasting through the weekend. Snow accumulations will slowly stack up and we could see another foot by Sunday night. Temperatures are going to be a bit warmer compared to the storm system that just moved through.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
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Description
We are in a typical springtime pattern where conditions are not all that dangerous but they do change rapidly so you need to pay attention. There are two things to watch for today. Neither will pose all that much threat unless you let your guard down.
Wet avalanches. The new snow will get wet for the first time today. This is when it is most susceptible to producing wet snow avalanches. Pinwheels rolling down hill are often a precursor to wet unstable snow. Avoid steep slopes and steep walled gullies if the snow becomes wet and sloppy.
Wind drifted snow. There will be areas where fresh drifts and slabs of snow have formed from the wind. These still may be sensitive today especially along the higher ridges on the more east facing slopes. Simply avoid steep slopes where there are recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
These two items are very manageable for the experienced backcountry traveler and really will pose little threat today as long as you are watching what you're doing.
General Announcements
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.