Winds have been light during this storm event but we have seen a few periods of 10-15mph winds. This may be just enough to transport snow and add stress to the starting zones in windloaded areas.

Danger here is quite low yet always a concern especially noting it would be the total storm layer plus whatever volumes were wind transported. Look for wind effect and use caution in these areas.

Winds have been light during this storm event but we have seen a few periods of 10-15mph winds. This may be just enough to transport snow and add stress to the starting zones in windloaded areas.

Danger here is quite low yet always a concern especially noting it would be the total storm layer plus whatever volumes were wind transported. Look for wind effect and use caution in these areas.

The National Weather Service Forecasts-

Today- Widespread rain showers and snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation...except up to 1 inch in the Mendenhall valley. Snow level 600 feet. Highs 34 to 38. East wind 10 mph increasing to 15 mph late in the afternoon.

Tonight- Widespread rain and snow showers then scattered snow showers late. Snow accumulation less then 1 inch...except up to 4 inches in the Mendenhall valley. Lows 27 to 33. East wind 10 mph.

Thursday- Mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers in the morning...then chance of snow and rain in the afternoon. Highs around 35. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph

We have seen 21.4cm of snow in the last 72 hours with a water equivalent of 32.2mm overall this is low density snow. We have seen 8.5cm of this (19.6mm precip) over the last 24 hours. As you can see we went from average densities of under 10% to todays densities at 23%... this is a bit of an upside down weighted snowpack on a layer of facets that were in place. Look to see how this old snow new snow interface is supporting this increased load.

Overall danger was very LOW the last two days. Today danger has increased and will continue to increase slightly with continued loading on the weak layer in place.

Danger is MODERATE today. Natural Avalanches are Unlikely and yet human triggered avalanches may be possible in places.

With cooling temperatures and low snow volumes over the next 24 hours danger wont change much. We see rapid loading right at daylight tomorrow for a bit... those volumes will determine if the danger increases or not.

Temperature today is everything... one or two degrees warmer and danger will be higher... one or two degrees lower and conditions will continue to stabilize slowly over time.

Be safe out there... use good habits and have a great day!

Remember the primary rules of Avalanche Safety... Get the Gear (avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel) get the picture (avalanche forecast) and get out of harms way (recognize and avoid avalanche hazard areas during times of peak danger)

Terrain analysis is the key to safety... if you never ski in Avalanche Zones... you don't need to worry about avalanche safety.

Here is a link to a great site from the Canadian Avalanche Association with some discussions about Avalanche Terrain.