Temperatures near treeline have ranged from 34 to 44 °F. Wind near and above treeline has been light to strong, on again, off again, W-NW switching to E-NE yesterday. The status of the snow pack throughout the zone is:
Weather Station | Height of Snow (in) |
Old Ski Bowl | 63 |
Castle Lake | 38 |
Mount Eddy | 40 |
Ash Creek Butte | 41 |
It would be tough to buy an avalanche in the backcountry currently. Up in Avalanche Gulch, it is variable, and smooth snow is becoming less so. Firm conditions dominate, with surface softening by late morning to early afternoon on sunny aspects. Wind texture is widespread and moraines and ridges have become completely scoured with rock showing. Not many skiers have been giving it a go, but a few hardy souls have been enjoying the great weather. Climbers have been showing up and should continue to be cautious of slide-for-life conditions and falling rime ice. Overall, climbing conditions are good, but remember that it's still winter. Be prepared for cold temps and wind!
The insane period of sustained dry and warm conditions continues. Blocking high pressure is really kickin' back and relaxing off the coast of California, creating big, beautiful blue skies...but it's not the time of year for that! Air stagnation advisories are in effect all week...not a sign of any incoming storm(s). Models are trending dry for early-mid February, so a meaningful pattern change is unlikely for California in the near future. Leave it to me for the bad news, I'll apologize for Mother Nature.
It will be a little breezy on the mountain today. Temperatures are trending cooler. Freezing levels are near 4,500 feet through Saturday.
That pesky ridge of high pressure shutting winter down for the month of January...
{Image: Tropicaltidbits}