Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik for
Thursday, March 21, 2024
The overall avalanche danger rating for the Skyline is generally LOW.
LOW does not mean NO avalanche danger. It means there is a low threat, but there is still a threat.
Daytime heating of the snow can make it become unstable.
Simply avoid being on or below steep slopes if they become really wet and sloppy, especially later in the day.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Current Conditions: High temperatures on Wednesday reached into the mid 40s and overnight lows were around freezing. Wind from the northwest has been light to moderate in speed. No big change in riding conditions. It's VERY spring-like out there with frozen crusts in the morning and soft wet snow in the afternoon.
Mountain Weather: We're going to see some clouds move through today. Temperatures should again get into the 40s. It looks like the wind speeds from the west will start out pretty light then increase later in the afternoon. Expect similar conditions through Saturday then it looks like a period of storms will start to effect our area.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
No big change in conditions. We have a mostly stable snowpack right now and the chances for triggering an avalanche are pretty low.
Here's the pattern we're in.
  1. The snow is frozen up in the morning.
  2. Daytime heating causes it to soften and become wet.
  3. If it gets too wet, it can become unstable and avalanches can release.
  4. If you find the snow super wet and sloppy, it's time to start avoiding being below or on steep slopes and stay out of steep walled gullies and ravines.
  5. At night, the snow cools down again, freezes and becomes stable.
  6. The next day, the cycle starts again.
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.