Nowcast - I know you came for the snow, but please stay for the wind. Man, we've gotta look for a different regional marketing slogan, but for the next couple hours, it's all I've got to offer. Clouds are settling in and current temperatures register right around freezing, while winds blowing 30-50 mph from the west and southwest blast the ridges and high peaks. It's a good day to clean the garage or organize the kitchen junk drawer and wait for some snow to stack up 'cause riding and turning conditions are gonna be rugged this morning.

Forecast - A period of unsettled weather moves over the region and homesteads through the weekend. Today, look for two moist impulses sliding through the Uinta zone. For this morning, expect a quick burst of energy stacking up a couple inches of dense, heavy snow. It'll be rather warm with high temperatures climbing into the mid 30's F. Winds from the west and southwest crank into the 60's and 70's along the ridges and nuke to 90 mph near the high peaks. This afternoon brings another round of snow but with colder temperatures. This entire storm system is tracking north, though my glass half full suggests a cautiously optimistic 4" of snow and .50" H20 by about dinnertime.

Futurecast - A short-lived break in the action is on tap for Thursday morning, but a weak ripple of moisture squeaks by to deliver a couple inches of snow. Another turbulent storm similar to today's system is on tap to close out the workweek.

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Travel Conditions - From sun crust to wind-board, facets to near-Solstice slush, it's a crap shoot, especially in the alpine. However, you can minimize the house odds and avoid rolling a set of snake eyes by steering towards low angle, wind sheltered, shady terrain. Or get some chores done this morning and wait for the storm to stack up a little cushion for a smoother, more reliable ride :)

From an avy perspective, the snow surface and overall coverage are a variable, mixed bag of both strong and weak snow. Once winter returns from it's tropical hiatus it'll offer a tricky setup.

Andy visited the South Slope yesterday and reports a tale of two snowpacks. Old snow near the ground on slopes facing the north half of the compass, while lower and mid elevation sunny slopes are still waiting for the invite to the company-wide Holiday Party.