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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik on
Sunday morning, December 28, 2025

Five inches of new snow and strong wind has increased the avalanche danger but only slightly. Fresh drifts along the higher ridges, especially on east facing slopes, is where you could find trouble. For the most part, these drifts will be stubborn and stay in place but in isolated areas, a person might get one to crack out and release. Aside from these drifts along the ridges, the rest of the terrain on the Skyline has a LOW avalanche danger rating.

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Weather and Snow
General Conditions: The storm is over and we picked up about 5 inches of new snow since Friday. Temperatures have plummeted down to around 10˚ F. The wind cranked up overnight with very strong speeds along the high peaks and ridges. It's not quite as strong in the mid elevations but it's strong enough to blow some snow around.
Mountain Weather: Today, we'll have mostly clear skies with temperatures getting into the low 20s. Blustery wind from the northwest will slow in speed as the day goes on. We'll have clear skies on Monday with slightly warmer temperatures. Tuesday and Wednesday will bring unseasonably warm temperatures again. There is potential for some more snow late in the week.
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

The new snow itself was stable on Saturday. The concern for today is in areas where the wind has drifted snow and formed wind slabs. You will find these mainly on the east facing side of the higher ridgelines. Watch for them on N, NE, E and SE facing steep upper elevation slopes. I found a few while they were forming on Saturday. I provoked them a bit with skis. I was able to get them to crack a bit but my impression was they were fairly stubborn. This problem shouldn't pose much threat to people today. Simply keep your eye out for them and avoid them.

Photo: stubborn wind slab that cracked - Kobernik

Additional Information
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.
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