Storms have been splitting around us and we've been getting skunked on the Skyline this season. As a result, it's been a relatively benign avalanche year. However, the snow that is on the ground is losing it's strength, we've got a tricky setup, and it looks like winter is deciding to return from its hiatus. With a warm, wet, and windy storm on tap for tonight and Sunday the avalanche danger will be on the rise.
There's plenty of light density snow to blow around and winds are expected to increase later today. As the storm develops and winds begin to ramp up, I suspect fresh drifts will break wider and deeper than you might expect. While mostly manageable this morning, by days end these fresh slabs could be packing a punch and you'll want to avoid any steep slope with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
The weak and sugary surface snow will be no match for the dense, heavy snow and strong winds expected tonight and tomorrow. Steve, Darce, and Cody were out stomping around yesterday and their great insight on the conditions can be found here.