24 Hour Snow 4" 72 Hour Snow 4" Base Depth in Gold Basin 24" Wind SW 25-30 G35 Temp 15F

This storm was all huff and puff and not much fluff for us I'm afraid. Overnight southerly winds cranked up into the 30's and 40's with the highest gusts in the low 60's. Snowfall began around 2:00 a.m and was pretty much done by 5:00 a.m. We may pick up another inch or two this morning but it's pretty much over. Gusty, ridge top SW winds will continue to blow in the 25 -35 mph range as a cold front moves through this morning before shifting to to more westerly. High temps will be in the low 20's and skies should clear by afternoon. Another weaker system, primarily affecting points north will slide though on Thursday with sunny, dry, and cold conditions in store for the weekend.

I'm afraid wind and not new snow has been the primary factor affecting the snowpack over the past several days. Reports from the backcountry this week indicate continued dangerous conditions from blowing and drifting snow and poor snow pack structure and collapsing and whumphing are still being observed. It's early season and until I get a clearer picture of what's going on out there the snowpack will be considered guilty until proven innocent.

Winds have scoured all exposed surfaces while depositing fresh drifts onto leeward slopes. Note the plumes of blowing snow on the high ridge tops in the background. Photo courtesy of Charlie Ramser.

Wind Station on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')

NWS Weather Forecast