Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')

A long wave trough with an "exceptionally strong jet" remains parked over the West, but as the snow continues to pile up in the San Juans, the story for us continues to be mainly about the wind. Today look for cloudy skies, ridge top SW winds in the 20-30 mph range, high temps in the upper teens, and a chance for developing snow showers by afternoon. Sound familiar? A better chance for snow develops overnight as the next shortwave moves through the area but it seems to be another repeat performance of the last two. 3"-5" are possible with snow showers lingering through tomorow. The models are still showing a storm with a decent shot at some accumulating moisture by the end of the year.

5" of dense new snow accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds plastered the mountains on Friday night, with snow even sticking to southerly aspects. Dave Garcia was up and reported that the new snow had a "styrofoam" feel that was "slightly upside down and grabby (but also) supportable, surfy, and fun." He also reported fresh wind drifts on northerly aspects, as well as observing this old, but previously unreported avalanche in Coyote Chute. Read his full observation here. On terrain facing NW through E an older, dense slab, 2'-3' thick exists over weak, October facets. The recent snow does not appear to have affected this buried persistent weak layer, but it is possible that a triggered wind slab could result in a deeper and much more dangerous avalanche. With continued strong winds and chance of snow in the forecast, continue to avoid steep, northerly aspects, especially where you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Overall snow cover remains quite thin and rocks, stumps, and deadfall continue to pose hazards.

5" of dense snow has plastered the mountains even sticking to southerly aspects in spite of the winds. Note the heavy riming on the trees. Dave Garcia photo.