Weather

After a white Christmas, rain to the peaks tested our relatively shallow snowpack. Some avalanche activity occurred on our usual suspect slopes. Heavier rain fell to the peaks after the new year, erasing remaining weak layers. The freezing came down Wednesday as the storm ended, leaving a foot of new snow above 1500 feet. Moderate wind loaded western aspects. 3 feet of snow exists at 1500 feet and variably twice as much sits in the upper mountains. The old snow has had time to drain, and the new snow appears to have bonded quickly to the old snow.

Expect more precipitation this weekend, with the freezing line fluctuating. The avalanche hazard may increase then.