In the last 24 hours:
- Temperatures at treeline - Max: 38º F from 1200-1400 hours / Min: 26º F at 0100 hours
- ...at Castle Lake - Max: 39º F / Min: 29º F
- Wind, at 8,000 feet - W-NW until 1600 hours, then E-SE. Average speed: 12 mph / Max: 43 mph
Yesterday was another nice day, albeit a bit cooler and windy above treeline. The snowpack is in that funky transitional stage, and thus the good old "variable" descriptor is appropriate. Above treeline, things have been getting effected by the W-NW wind. Near and below treeline, the snow has been softer, but still not anything dreams are made of. You ask someone how the skiing was and the likely answer will be, "Meh, it was okay...".
Climbing conditions are good. Firm snow along ridges makes for good cramponing. Firm, supportable snow in the drainages is common, but also expect some post-holing here and there. Rime ice fall is a hazard.
No avalanche danger has been observed. Wind transported snow was noted yesterday off Green Butte, but was not sticking to leeward avalanche starting zones.
Green Butte viewed from Avalanche Gulch, near treeline. 1.13.22 / Photo: Sean Malee
All quiet on the home front. A strong upper level ridge builds into the weekend, bringing stable and dry air to the area. Not much more to say about that! Daytime highs near treeline could reach 40+ degrees. It might be a bit breezy on the upper mountain, but should die off into the weekend. We expect some climbers this weekend with the good weather and climbing conditions. Be safe!