Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Skyline Area Mountains Issued by Brett Kobernik for Saturday - February 14, 2015 - 6:49am
bottom line

Most terrain has a LOW avalanche danger this weekend. Continue to follow safe backcountry protocols by putting only one person on a steep slope at a time.




current conditions

Temperatures have been mild this week with highs around 50 in the 9000 to 10000 foot range and lows in the mid 20s. There hasn't been much wind over the last few days. There has been no significant new snow since the middle of January. We are currently below average for annual snowfall. We are very close to the same as we were at this time of the year last season. Below is a chart from the Seeley Creek Snotel which shows annual Snow Water Equivalent for this season, last season and the average.

Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

The snowpack is generally stable and not much chance for any significant avalanche activity. There are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • The snow at lower elevations will be wet and could be unstable on very steep slopes. Avoid being in confined terrain such as steep walled gullies where the snow is wet and punchy.
  • It's possible that you could find a small wind drift that could release along the upper elevation ridges. These won't be big enough to effect a snowmobiler but perhaps a skier, snowboarder or snowshoer could get pushed around. Consider consequences of the terrain you are in if you should get knocked over.
weather

Today will be warm again with ridgetop highs around 50 again. We'll see lots of sun with a few clouds rolling through. Northwest winds will pick up in speed a bit this afternoon. Sunday will be a little cooler with stronger northwest winds. A storm system will push through on Monday into Tuesday but new snow accumulations don't look all that good. Temperatures will cool dramatically.

general announcements

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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

This advisory will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday, February 21, 2015 or sooner if conditions warrant.