Grand County Road crew plowed the road to Geyser Pass Trailhead yesterday. Thanks to them for getting up on the weekend!
Today will be a glorious winter day in the mountains with sunshine, cold temperatures and fresh snow. It will also be one of those days where you may be tempted to ride on slopes that you shouldn't as the beautiful conditions conspire to mask the underlying avalanche danger. Reports of widespread collapsing and whumping, which are sure signs of snow instability, came in from yesterday. Thanks to Travis Nauman for this detailed report.
All told, the mountains received 12-16" of snow between Thursday night and Saturday morning with around 2" of water. The first wave of snow came in heavy and wet under 30-50 mph southwesterly winds. This created dense, upside down snow conditions, and heavily wind loaded areas alternating with zones of scour. The second round of snow came in Friday night totaling about 6" of much lower density snow under light to moderate northwesterly winds. The lighter snow greatly improved riding conditions, but also hid the havoc that lies underneath.
Temperatures are in the single digits this morning and a cold, northwesterly breeze is blowing in the 10-15 mph range. High temperatures today will be in the low 20's at 10,000'.
Storm totals and temperature in Gold Basin.(10,000')
Wind, temperature and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak.(11,700')
Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.(9600')
Travis Nauman shot this pic of backcountry enthusiasts ascending into the winter wonderland yesterday.