This morning, there are a few clouds in the sky, and temperatures have dropped significantly compared to yesterday, currently sitting in the single digits along the highest peaks and in the low 20s °F at trailheads. Every weather station went through a solid refreeze last night, some for up to 12 hours. Westerly winds remained elevated, gusting 30 to 50 mph, with 11,000 foot gusts above 90 mph.
Today, expect mostly clear skies. There is a small chance of showers early this morning, but no measurable snow is expected. Temperatures will warm into the mid 30s to 40s °F. Westerly winds will remain elevated throughout the day, though there is a slight decreasing trend beginning, gusting 25 to 35 mph along exposed mid and upper elevation ridges, with 11,000 foot gusts in the 60s mph.
After a brief cool down, temperatures will start warming again later this week. A weak system may brush the area this weekend, but it looks mostly dry with just a slight chance of a little snow and some increased west to northwest winds, followed by another stretch of warm, dry weather.
Although there was plenty of sun this weekend, there could still be some preserved cold, dry snow on upper elevation shaded terrain.
Due to the cool temperatures, expect a stout crust this morning on all aspects where the snow surface was damp yesterday. This begins to introduce "slide for life conditions." If you are traveling up a solar aspect this morning, where the surface is now frozen, make sure you have appropriate gear and the knowledge to stop a fall if one occurs. This could include crampons and an ice axe.
A glide avalanche was observed in Bonkers on a north-facing slope at 9,800'. The slide failed on the ground interface, taking out the entire depth of the snowpack, and was approximately 5' deep, 60' wide, and ran about 500 vertical feet. This avalanche likely occurred on 3/9. The debris covered several downhill ski tracks and the skin track. Otherwise no new observations from the backcountry.
