Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: NE 10-20 G 33 Temp 16° F Percent of Normal: 135%

Late yesterday afternoon, winds from the NW picked up a bit blowing in the 15-20 mph range for about six hours before backing off. Around 3:00 a.m. they shifted to northeasterly and picked up speed. We should continue to see blustery NE winds throughout the day averaging 20-30 mph along ridge tops decreasing slightly by afternoon. Otherwise, look forward to sunny skies and warm temps in the upper 30's as high pressure builds over the region. Wednesday should see clear and mostly calm conditions. By Thursday we should start to see a few clouds and increasing southerly winds ahead of the next Pacific storm system slated to arrive around Friday night.

Sunday's 7" of new snow has greatly improved conditions in some areas. The snow came in with strong SW winds gusting as high as 60 mph which blew and drifted snow into slabs 12"-18" deep on northerly aspects while alternately scouring, and occasionally cross-loading slopes on the south side of the compass. Slabs will be more stubborn to trigger today, but avoiding steep, wind drifted slopes, especially those on the north side of the compass is still a good policy. For the best turning and riding conditions you'll want to seek out sheltered, northerly aspects out of the wind zone. Conditions are quite good in these areas. Expect daytime heating to affect sun exposed slopes today. Signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow. Stay off of and out from under steep slopes when these signs are present.