24 Hour Snow: 4" 72 Hour Snow: 4" Season Total Snow: 48" Depth at Gold Basin: 30"
Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: S 12 G 20-25 Temp: 31°F
Weather
As the first round of snow exits our area, it is 31° F in Gold Basin this morning. Snowfall began around 9 PM last night, and four inches of new snow have accumulated. Overnight winds were moderate out of the south. Today, skies will be overcast, and light snow showers will linger, but little to no additional accumulation is expected. Temperatures will remain warm, with daytime highs reaching 36°F at 10,000 feet today. Winds will blow from the west-southwest at 10-20 MPH. A brief surge of moisture on a southwest flow will bring a quick-hitting round of snow on Friday, and another 3-6" seems possible. Skies will clear out for Sunday and Monday. By Tuesday, temperatures will drop to more seasonable norms, and another stormy pattern will develop.
General Conditions
The pre-existing snow surface was highly variable, and four inches of new snow is a welcome refresh that has slightly improved riding conditions. Southerly aspects were previously crusted, but the new snow fell with relatively warm temperatures, promoting decent bonding and an overall low avalanche hazard on these slopes.
On shaded aspects, weak faceted snow remains widespread across most elevation bands, except the highest above-treeline terrain. While four inches of new snow is below the typical threshold for a true storm slab problem, it has fallen onto very weak snow, creating a classic strong-over-weak setup. Backcountry travelers should anticipate the possibility of shallow, soft slab avalanches on steep slopes wherever facets exist beneath the new snow.
Use extra caution above cliffs and in terrain traps. These avalanches may not be large enough to bury a person, but they could easily knock you off your feet or push you into consequential terrain. Conditions are expected to change by Friday as additional snowfall arrives and avalanche hazard rises accordingly.
The video below discusses the previous, very weak snow surface that is now buried by four inches of new snow.
See all recent observations here.
Snowpack and Weather Data
