Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Public Forecast of Weather and Backcountry Avalanche Conditions

This is Knox at the CAIC with current information on mountain weather,
snow, and avalanche conditions recorded at 7:00 am, Sunday, January
23, 2000. Running late because of no internet connection and no
incoming data until 0615.

DISCUSSION

New snows this morning are Winter Park 6", Berthoud and Copper 7, A
Basin and Breckenridge 9, Keystone 13, Ashcroft 5. A ridge of high
pressure to the west of Colorado is limiting the moisture to what can
ride through the ridge and come into Colorado from the NW. Thus, snows
have favored the N&C mtns. Today the moisture will thin considerably,
so I will go with only light snows continuing for the N mtns
especially. Winds will be strong enough for blowing snow at higher
elevations. On Monday deeper moisture will try to crack the ridge, so
light snows are likely for most mtn areas. The forecast details:

WEATHER

N Mtns

Sunday:
Mostly cloudy, light snow, 1-3" additional this morning, mostly ending
by noon. Winds NW/15-20. Highs 12-17. 

Sunday night:
Partly cloudy, snowshowers possible. Lows 8-13. 

Monday:
Cloudy, light snow, 2-4" possible. Winds WNW/15-25. Highs 20-25. 

C Mtns

Sunday:
Partly to mostly cloudy, light snow, T-2" additional this morning,
mostly ending by noon. Winds W/10-20. Highs 19-25. 

Sunday night:
Partly cloudy, snowshowers possible in Aspen zone. Lows 10-15. 

Monday:
Cloudy, light snow, 2-4" possible. Winds W/10-15. Highs 24-29. 

S Mtns

Sunday:
Increasing high clouds. Winds W/10-20. Highs 15-22. 

Sunday night:
Partly cloudy, snowshowers possible in W San Juans. Lows 8-13. 

Monday:
Cloudy, snow showers, 1-4" possible. Winds W/10-15. Highs 22-27. 

SNOWPACK

Yesterday winds increased over the N mtns causing blowing snow above
TL in addition to moderate snowfalls. Blowing snow continues above TL
in the N mtns this morning. Therefore I am raising the danger level
for the N mtns. And in the C Mtns and W San Juans, new snow yesterday
and last night has maintained a very tender snowpack, with collapsing
on the depth hoar being common. Two types of avalanches are possible
in the N&C mtns and W San Juans: shallow releases in the new snow
layer only, and deep slabs breaking to the ground. It is no time for
taking undue risk. The backcountry danger ratings:

N Mtns
: Below TL, MODERATE. Near and above TL, CONSIDERABLE with areas of
HIGH. Natural releases probable, triggered releases likely. Extra
caution is needed in the BC. Triggered slides are likely on windloaded
slopes steeper than 30 degrees. 

C mtns and W San Juans:
Below TL, overall LOW but areas of MODERATE for shallow soft slab
releases. Near and above TL, overall MODERATE with areas of
CONSIDERABLE on NW-NE-SE aspects 35 degrees and steeper. Extra caution
is required 

E San Juans:
All elevations, overall LOW, just pockets of MODERATE on NW-E steep
aspects. 

As always, the snow conditions we've reported are based on
observations and field data. Use this information for guidance only.
You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel
accordingly.

Williams