Weather

We received 0.8 inches of water Wednesday. This fell as mostly rain at sea level and as 8 inches of new snow above 1500 feet. Moderate wind loaded western aspects. Above 1800 feet, the new snow sits on a zipper crust and remains reactive at this time. Relatively warm temperatures should promote bonding at this layer. The warm daytime temperatures, however, are also causing loose snow avalanches on steep slopes which could trigger slab avalanches at the zipper crust. Overall stability should be increasing into Saturday.

Expect precipitation starting Saturday to continue well into next week. Models suggest 2 inches of water. Temperatures look to increase, bringing the freezing line towards are local peaks. The avalanche hazard will probably increase then, particularly in the upper mountains.