Colorado Avalanche Information Center

Public Forecast of Weather and Backcountry Avalanche Conditions

This is Scott at the CAIC with current information on mountain
weather, snow, and avalanche conditions recorded at 7:15 am, Tuesday,
January 25, 2000.

DISCUSSION

Ridge has built over CO today, but still quite a bit of moisture in
the flow. With the stable atmosphere and warmer air aloft snow
intensity will be lite at best for today in the N&C mtns. Pattern
begins to improve for more snow again tonight as a couple of systems
will head our way through Wednesday out of the Pacific. These systems
are still quite aways out but are progged to move quickly our way as
they move along with a strong upper level jet. Looking at a snowy
pattern into Thursday. Absence of winds so far has been a blessing of
sorts for our snowpack, However, the very Light density snows of past
24 hours will move easily with any wind speed so will need to watch
for loading closely. Have altered snowpack ratings for today. The
forecast details:

WEATHER

N Mtns

Tuesday:
Partly to Mostly Cloudy, snow showers, T-2" possible. Winds WSW/5-15,
Gs 20s. Highs 21-31. 

Tues Nite:
Cloudy, 1-3". Winds W 5-15. Lows 18-22 

Wednesday:
Cloudy, lite snow, 3-6". Winds NW/5-15 G20s. Highs 15-25. 

Wed nite:
Cloudy, 2-4". Winds N 5-10. Lows 15-22 

C Mtns

Tuesday:
Partly to Mostly Cloudy, snow showers, T-2" possible. Winds WSW/10-20.
Highs 21-31. 

Tues Nite:
Overcast, Tr-2". Winds W 10-20. Lows 15-22 

Wednesday:
Cloudy, lite snow, 3-6" possible. Winds NW/5-15 G20s. Highs15-25. 

Wed Nite:
Cloudy, 1-3". Winds N 5-15. Lows 15-22 

S Mtns

Tuesday:
Cloudy, snow showers, 3-5" possible. Winds SW/10-20. Highs 21-31. 

Tues Nite:
Cloudy, 2-4". winds become W 10-20, Gs 30s above TL. Lows 15-22 

Wednesday:
Cloudy, lite snow, 2-4" possible especially N side. Winds WNW/5-15
G20s. Highs 16-25. 

Wed nite:
Overcast, especially N side Tr-2, Mostly cloudy S. Winds NW 5-15, Lows
15-22 

SNOWPACK

The Avalanche Warning that was issued Sunday will remain in place this
morning and, based on observations and reports, I will re-evaluate for
its continuance for this afternoon. R Block scores from all mtn areas
have been in the 2-4 range. Most areas seem to have the biggest
problem at the Depth Hoar/Wind slab interface well down in the pack.
Many concerns with the buried surface hoar layer as well. The Slide at
Jones Pass Sunday was fairly small, about 50 ft wide max, almost 1
meter fracture, 34 degree east aspect slope, about 200-300 vertical.
Observers in San Juans feel they are on the brink of a cycle due to a
very weak foundation. It is unstable out there, plus there are
numerous triggers everywhere. Would not be surprised to hear of
another accident very soon.

N Mtns
: Below TL,CONSIDERABLE. Near and above TL, CONSIDERABLE with areas of
HIGH. Naturals releases probable, triggered releases likely. Avalanche
Warning for Summit Co and eastern Eagle Co. including vicinity of
Loveland Pass, Ten Mile Range, Gore Range and Williams Fork Mountains,
this warning has been extended to cover the Berthoud Pass area as
well. 

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 W-NE-SE aspects 35 degrees and steeper. 

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.

toepfer