Road Conditions: Plowing on Thursday was minimal and the road is narrow and the parking lot is a mess.

Grooming: Trails have not been groomed.

Storm totals at Gold Basin Study Plot (10,000').

Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').

NWS weather forecast

Weather: A passing short wave is producing clouds and a chance for showers this morning. Clouds should dissipate as the day progresses becoming partly to mostly sunny by afternoon. Westerly winds should be mostly light and high temps will be in the low to mid 30's. The next system will move into the region tomorrow with snow likely in the afternoon. It doesn't look like a big producer with 2"-4" possible. Of note, however, will be an increase in SW winds. Tuesday and Wednesday look dry with the next system forecasted for Thursday.

Snowpack: Recent and wind drifted snow has piled up on a fragile snowpack that is comprised largely of weak, sugary, faceted snow. Weak snow can be found on all aspects but the greatest danger exists on steep, wind loaded slopes that face the north half of the compass where the underlying snowpack is exceedingly weak. Dave Garcia and company were out yesterday. Read their report here. They reported good powder conditions but with continued wind loading on to northerly aspects. Clouds and cool temps kept a lid on daytime heating yesterday, but expect the snow to become damp today as the sun makes it's first real appearance.

Brett Sutteer sent in this photo he snapped during a brief period of clearing on Friday. This ominous looking, wind loaded slope is definitely the kind of terrain you want to continue to avoid.