This advisory marks our first official danger rating for the season. Field observations taken since the last storm cycle have revealed that there is enough snow cover to create an avalanche hazard in some areas. Snow cover remains very thin, and backcountry travelers are advised to exercise caution due to an abundance of barely covered obstacles.
We've scheduled our annual Backcountry 101 avalanche course for Feb 2,3. For more information or to register go here.
We've also scheduled a Motorized Backcountry 101 for snowmobiles and snowbikes. For more information or to register go here.
The combination of sunshine, and snow from last week prompted folks to get out in the mountains over the weekend and push their luck on the thin snow cover. I made a trip up to Pre Laurel Peak on Saturday but kept my skins on for much of the descent. Overall coverage ranges from 10" at the Geyser Pass Trailhead to up to 20" in drifted areas right around treeline and above. In between, sun exposed slopes that had no snow on the ground prior to the last storm cycle have 6" or less, and many wind exposed, upper elevation slopes show bare rocks. Actual turning on skis or snowboards is not recommended, and snowmobiling off of the roads is asking for a damaged machine.
Prior to the December 21 storm most of the terrain was still dry ground. The exception was sheltered, north facing slopes below treeline, and some scattered, protected areas in the alpine where snow had collected in gullies or depressions.
Snowfall History: Dec. 21- 10" Jan. 7 - 4" Jan. 9 - 2" Jan. 10 - 2" Jan. 11 - 4"
New snow totals in Gold Basin.
Snow totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead, (9600')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
Coverage remains thin, and it's going to take at least another good storm to make travel conducive in this kind of terrain.
This foreground slope gives the appearance of decent coverage and there is 12-18" of drifted snow here. But it is extremely variable and can quickly go down to 6" or less. Note rocks, and the highly featured surfaces on the sunny slopes in the distance.