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| 11.12.2008 |
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This is Chris Lundy with the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center with General Snow and Weather Information on Wednesday, November 12, 2008.
We will continue to issue general snow and weather information over the next few weeks. Once we accumulate enough snow for backcountry skiing and riding we will begin providing the full avalanche advisory each morning at 7:30am.
Snowpack:
Snow conditions are still pretty lean out there for backcountry winter recreation. That hasn’t stopped a few folks from taking advantage of the early season snow, but I assume they must have a ski tuner and maybe even an orthopedic surgeon that owes them some favors.
Currently you can find consistent snow cover above about 8500 feet, where the snow depth ranges from about 1-2 feet with more in wind drifted areas. We haven’t been out in the field yet, but from what little we’ve heard, the warm temperatures have made what little snowpack we do have moist and dense. This could help form a solid base for our early season snowpack, but it all depends on what the weather does over the next few weeks.
We haven’t heard of any significant avalanche concerns yet, but remember that if there is enough snow to ski or ride on, then you will need to evaluate the likelihood of triggering an avalanche. The consequences of getting caught in even a small slide this time of year can be ugly. I suspect the greatest concern will be wind slabs that form tonight and tomorrow from strong northwesterly winds. Often this time of year we seek out the drifted slopes because they have more snow, but these wind loaded areas may also be unstable.
Mountain Weather:
Last night’s storm only produced an inch or so of snow at the upper elevations, and the temperatures at all elevations have remained quite warm. Northwest winds are already beginning to increase along high elevation ridgelines, and will continue to blow through tomorrow. A cold front is forecasted to move through the region tomorrow bringing cooler temperatures. By Friday, a strong high pressure ridge will build over the Western US bringing fair skies and warmer temperatures by the weekend.
Check our education page for class schedules, our first Avalanche Basics class is Tuesday, December 2nd, from 6-8pm at Hemingway School in Ketchum.
http://www.sawtoothavalanche.com/education.php
Announcements:
Your observations, even now in the very early season, are invaluable. They help us produce more accurate advisories which in turn helps you. If you get into the backcountry, let us know what you see out there - especially if you see or trigger any avalanches. Call (208)622-0099 or fill out the observer form on our web site.
http://www.sawtoothavalanche.com/submit_observation.php
Check http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pih/ for the latest weather forecasts.
For Idaho road closures and openings check: http://511.idaho.gov/
For a recording of this advisory, call the Avalanche Hotline - (208)622-8027.
This information only applies to the backcountry and does not apply to highway programs or operating ski areas. Changing conditions and local variations may occur.
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