Reported Monday, February 9, 2009 at 6:15 AM

	Weather Forecast Today: Mostly cloudy with light snow showers. T-2" possible. Southwest winds 10-20 mph and highs in the 30's valley wide. Tonight: Cloudy with 3-5" of snow expected. Southwest winds 10-20 mph and lows in the teens to single digits in Gunnison. Tomorrow: Cloudy with light snow showers, another T-2" possible. Winds shifting to the Northwest 5-15 mph and highs in the low 20's. Weather Outlook The much anticipated low pressure system has blown by us, leaving us with very little snow accumulation. Expect lingering snow and clouds today, especially over the mountains. The next low pressure moves through the west this afternoon, and will bring us another chance for good snow tonight.

The danger will rise to MODERATE near and above treeline on North through Southeast slopes today. It will remain LOW on all other slopes.

LIKELIHOOD OF TRIGGERING

AVALANCHE SIZE

Trend

New wind slabs resting on buried surface hoar or slippery sun crusts will pose a threat to backcountry travelers today. As we receive more snow and wind today and tonight, be aware of the changing conditions.

New snow accumulations have been light, although areas near Kebler Pass and Paradise Divide could have received 6" or more. Moderate winds yesterday and last night from the southwest will have moved the new snow around, creating shallow slab on leeward slopes. The new snow will be lying on a mix of old surface layers including crusts and surface hoar. These layers will make good sliding surfaces and weak layers creating a recipe for avalanches. As we receive more snow and wind, expect fresh wind slabs to become reactive to human triggering.