Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik on
Sunday morning, March 15, 2026

There's been a change in weather but the avalanche conditions have not changed much.

A "pockety" MODERATE avalanche danger remains above 9500' on steep slopes that face northwest, north, northeast and east.

Chances for triggering an avalanche that breaks into the old January facets is getting pretty slim. But faceted snow still remains in the snowpack, and I don't like that.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements

Each spring, we ask for your continued financial support to fund our forecasting and education programs. Our Spring Campaign and Spring Auction are now live and we hope you will consider supporting our mission. DETAILS HERE

Weather and Snow

General Conditions: Temperatures cooled down to around 20 last night as a dry cold front moved through. Wind from the northwest has been strong. It's now showing signs of slowing. The snow surface should be pretty solidly frozen this morning.

Mountain Weather: Temperatures are only going to get up to around freezing today. Wind from the northwest will continue to slow. Temperatures immediately rebound on Monday and continue to increase into next weekend. They are going to get unusually warm by the end of the week. This is going to be a big hit to our already less-than-meager snowpack.
Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

I hate to sound like a broken record but that is the nature of buried Persistent Weak Layers. Faceted snow from January still has the minor possibility of causing a dangerous avalanche. 9 out of 10 slopes will stay in place. One may not. What I've learned about buried facets over the years is that they often cause an avalanche long after you think conditions have completely stabilized. Very steep northerly-facing high-elevation slopes are the only places you may find trouble.

General Announcements
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.