Pockets of a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger still exist on north through east facing slopes in the 9000 foot and higher range.  This includes most of the larger bowls which will be luring us toward them this weekend.  These areas still have the potential to produce dangerous avalanches.  The danger is less pronounced on the mid elevation north through east facing slopes.  A LOW danger exists on all aspects at lower elevations out of the wind effected terrain.

About a foot or better of fresh snow fell over the last 5 days making for real nice riding conditions.  The snow added up slowly in a few different periods through the week.  The slow loading didn't up the avalanche danger very much aside from producing some fresh drifts.  Temperatures are in the low to mid teens and the westerly winds have slowed a few mph over the last 24 hours.

No significant new avalanches have been reported nor have we seen any.  Reports are still trickling in from large avalanches from during the Christmas avalanche cycle.  A handful of large slides were reported from Rolfson Canyon and a snowmobile triggered slide was reported from upper Pleasant Creek.  I did not get to visit any of these sites but it's my speculation that they all broke into old weak snow near the ground.

We'll have partly cloudy skies today with ridgetop temperatures getting into the low to mid twenties.  Northwest winds will gust into the 20s and 30s along the highest ridges.  Some moisture will move through Sunday into Monday producing the chance for flurries with not much accumulation expected.  A ridge of high pressure keeps pushing our way as the week continues with mild winter weather.

Your snow and avalanche observations are very helpful to us.  It helps us produce detailed information that's a benefit to everyone in the backcountry.  Click HERE to submit any backcountry observations.