Skies are partly cloudy but clearing this morning after a fast moving system brought another 3"-5" of new snow to the mountains. Northwesterly winds are mostly light, averaging 10-15 mph along ridge tops. The temperature at Geyser Pass Trailhead is the coldest it's been in weeks at 28 degrees, and it's 18 degrees on Pre Laurel Peak.
Last night's snow came in wiith much less wind than Thursday's, and conditions should be a little better today. The underlying snow surface is quite variable however, and the new snow won't quite be enough to take that away. Sheltered, north facing terrain offers the best conditions, but another tip will be to find areas where the underlying surface is smooth and firm.
Traditionally a wet month, March has been tough on our snowpack and we are currently at 77% of normal, with 57" on the ground in Gold Basin. Many south facing slopes are melted out to the rocks, and the snow line has crept up to around 9000'.
Reed Kennard was out and about yesterday and sent in this observation.
Wind, temperature and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak. (11,700')
Storm totals and temperature in Gold Basin. (10,000')
Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. (9600')