24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 4" Base Depth in Gold Basin 23" Wind S 10-20 G30 Temp 15F

After a brief respite yesterday afternoon, southerly winds are again on the increase this morning. Today look for mostly sunny skies, breezy SW winds, and high temps near 20F. We should see developing high clouds later today with mostly cloudy conditiond and a slight chance for snow showers tonight as a system tracks through to the north. The weekend will be be dry and sunny with seasonal high temps in the lower 20's. Models are hinting at the next system mid next week.

I'm afraid wind and not new snow has been the primary factor affecting the snowpack over the past several days. Reports from the backcountry this week indicate continued dangerous conditions from blowing and drifting snow and poor snow pack structure and collapsing and whumphing are still being observed. I'm thinking that instabilities have to be settling out somewhat by now, but it's early season and until I get a clearer picture of what's going on out there the snowpack will be considered guilty until proven innocent. I'll be getting up today to have a look around.

Winds have scoured all exposed surfaces while depositing fresh drifts onto leeward slopes. Note the plumes of blowing snow on the high ridge tops in the background. Photo courtesy of Charlie Ramser.

Wind Station on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')

NWS Weather Forecast