Reported Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 6:15 AM

Weather Forecast

Today:
Mostly Cloudy, snow 1-3" possible, winds from the west 20-30 mph gusts to 40 mph, and a high temperature in CB in the high teens and Gunnison around 10.

Tonight:
Snow 2-4", winds from the Northwest 15-25mph, gusting to 30 mph, Low Temperatures in CB in the single digits and in Gunnison -5.

Tomorrow:
Partly Cloudy then clearing, Northwest winds 10-15 mph, High Temperatures in CB in the teens and in Gunnison around 10.

Weather Outlook

More unsettled weather today with snow showers and an increase of wind speed. We will see a cold front pass today that could help fuel a period of heavier snows. Temperatures will again warm up today though wind chills may not allow us to enjoy the warm up. Snow will continue into tonight and begin clearing late night or tommorrow. Mid week brings back clear and cold conditions before a significant storm comes in on Friday and makes for another snowy weekend.

Danger Rating

Elevated Caution

MODERATE near and above tree-line on N, NE, E,& SE aspects. LOW w/ Pockets of MODERATE on N, NE, E, SE,& S aspects below tree-line. and LOW everywhere else

Avalanche Problem #1

Persistent Slabs  
Moderate
LIKELIHOOD OF TRIGGERING
  
Smaller
AVALANCHE SIZE
  
Trend

In the Backcountry

Surface conditions will be effected by the wind today. The winds have created shallow windslabs on easterly aspects. In some places wind slabs will be sitting on top of weak faceted snow and could be easily triggered. With only a couple of inches of snow overnight I don't expect very deep slabs. Above tree line these slabs could be larger where the wind moved more snow. Cold temperatures over the past week has put the snowpack in a weakening trend. Where the snowpack is deep it has withstood the cold temperatures though where the snow pack is more shallow the faceting process has been significant.

Travel Advisory

Watch for areas of freshly deposited wind slabs. Use caution on steep top loaded or crossloaded slopes today. Take note of where even small avalanches could carry a person. Use good travel techniques while travelling on avalanche terrain, only expose one person at a time and use strategic re-grouping areas.

Reported by: Billy