The National Weather Service Forecasts-

TODAY...RAIN AND SNOW IN THE MORNING...THEN SLIGHT CHANCE OF
RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON. SNOW ACCUMULATION LESS THAN 1 INCH. SNOW LEVEL RISING TO 400 FEET IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGHS AROUND 39. SOUTHEAST WIND 10 MPH.

TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. LOWS 21 TO 27. SOUTHEAST WIND 10 MPH
SHIFTING TO THE NORTHEAST LATE.

FRIDAY...PARTLY CLOUDY. PATCHY FOG IN THE MORNING. HIGHS AROUND 41. NORTHWEST WIND 10 MPH SHIFTING TO THE NORTHEAST IN THE AFTERNOON.

FRIDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS 21 TO 27. NORTHEAST WIND 10 TO 20 MPH.

We had a 2 plus week period of dry cold temperatures with winds much of the time from 40-80 mph.

Much of the deeper upper mountain snowpack is quite solid in place.

We have received 8-9 inches of snow since the 12th. Temperatures have warmed by 8 degrees during that time.

We have had light to moderate winds. Windloading it present but quite minimal.

Spatial variability remains high. The old snow surface has multiple structures currently and the new snow bonding will vary from location to location.

Look to see snow cleaning itself off of rocks and trees as well as surface sluffing in steep open areas.

In long steep open areas this could entrain quite a bit of mass.

Small slabs may also be present in isolated locations.

Danger levels are moderate simply do to new snows and diurnal fluctuation with afternoon temps going above freezing once again in some of our mountain starting zones.

This melt freeze process we have seen the last few days and nights begins to build strength in the snowpack. But it is important to recognize the snowpack becomes weak during the above freezing, or warmest, part of the day.

Get out and enjoy some St Patricks Day Powder!

Remember the rules of safety with skiing one at a time in avalanche terrain and spotting your partners through areas of concern.

Always remember. Transceiver, Probe, and Shovel. Plus a well Trained Partner. Dont head out into avalanche terrain without them.