Snowed all night, decent winds, still snowing.
Low slung clouds.
We observed 20-30" of fresh snow in the trees yesterday, 10-20" in open areas. Wind was calm during the day, but picked up at the end of the day.
*************CB Ave Report*********************
Crested Butte Avalanche Report
Reported Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 6:05 AM
Weather Forecast (in town)
Today:
Snow, heavy at times with another 5-8" of accumulation. Winds from the southwest will move to the east this afternoon 10-20 mph and highs will be in the 20's.
Tonight:
Lingering snow will be ending in most areas as the skies begin to clear. Light winds will move back to the Northwest and lows will be in the teens.
Tomorrow:
Partly cloudy with light winds and highs in the 20's valley wide.
Weather Synopsis
Wow, good dynamics and strong orographic lift gave us a great dose of spring snow last night. Intensity increased after midnight bringing totals in town to 9" in the past 24 hours. The low pressure is closing off as it moves to the east today, creating upslope conditions for the front range. There is still a lot of moisture on the radar headed our way today, but we should see snow tapering off here this afternoon with a break in the action Friday and Saturday before another system hits early next week. For you Grand Traversers, there will likely be a lot of freshies out there to distract you from the race, but snowfall during the race will be limited to a chance of light showers over the higher peaks. The issue this year will be the temperature. A cold front is moving toward Colorado today, and will drop temps to the single digits Friday night. Saturday should mostly sunny with temperatures warming into the 30's in Aspen, so at least the finish line conditions will be nice.
In the Backcountry
Reports indicate a lot of new snow in the mountains from the past few days, with anywhere from 12" to 30" as of last night. Strong orographic snows will bring varying snow totals in different locations around the area. Winds have been strong enough to move snow onto leeward slopes and build wind slabs which could be quite deep in some areas. The amount of snow alone from the past few days warrents an increase in the avalanche danger. It will take a bit of time after the snow ends for the new snow to stabilize.
Danger Rating and Travel Advisory
Extra Caution
The danger today is CONSIDERABLE on all slopes near and above treeline. At lower elevations the danger is MODERATE
Primary Avalanche Concern: Storm Snow
High LIKELIHOOD OF TRIGGERING
Medium AVALANCHE SIZE
Increasing Danger Trend
New snow and wind has likely created slab conditions at higher elevations where snow totals have been higher. Slabs will continue to build today as we receive more snow. We will be reaching the tipping point where natural avalanches are becoming a concern. Although instabilities will be limited to the new snow, avalanches will be deep enought to cause significant harm to backcountry travellers.
Watch for the depth of the new snow today, and take the time to investigate the bonding in the upper snowpack. Be aware of steeper slopes and don't get dragged into steep open areas by powder fever. More snow and cold temperatures will keep any instabilities in the snowpack for a while.
