Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik on
Sunday morning, December 30, 2018
A MODERATE avalanche danger exists along the upper ridgelines where recent wind drifted snow has been deposited. Plumes of snow coming off ridges and peaks will indicate where the snow is getting deposited. Watch for cracking within these fresh drifts which will give you a clue to how sensitive they are. Away from the higher ridges the avalanche danger is generally LOW.
Continue to use safe travel protocol: Travel one at a time in steep terrain, keep your partner in sight and be in position to get to them quickly should there be an avalanche. Don't regroup at the bottom of steep slopes.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
I did not see anything noteworthy during my travels on Saturday. My partner did point out some plumes coming off the highest peaks from the northwest wind. Riding conditions remain good to excellent.
We'll see increasing clouds today as a storm moves through tonight into Monday which should bring 3 to 5 inches of new snow. It'll be a little windy today from the northwest especially along the higher terrain.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow will be your main concern today. This problem should be easy to manage as it is often easy to recognize slopes that have fresh drifts of wind drifted snow. Look for fresh cornice formation. Often, slopes just below the cornices have also been loaded and may be sensitive to a person. The most likely place to find wind drifted snow that might avalanche today is on the more east facing slopes especially near the ridges. That said, we've had wind from numerous directions over the last few days so watch for fresh drifts on all aspects at the higher elevations.
Additional Information
This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.