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 6:30 am, Friday, March 17,
2000. Posted at 1415...sorry about the delay, but new computer system
had a few glitches.


DISCUSSION

A weak storm system is bringing snow and rain showers to northern Utah
this morning. This will come into the Colorado mountains as a cold
front midday, but most of the moisture from this system will miss us
to the north. The N mtns are in best position to get light snow with
frontal passage today and then again tonight on cold, NW flow behind
the front. On Saturday high pressure will be along the West Coast and
will hold NW flow into Colorado, keeping some minor snow showers in
the N mtns. The forecast details:



WEATHER

N Mtns

Friday: Clear early, then partly cloudy with light snow or snow
showers this afternoon, T-1". Winds SW/10-20 g30 abv TL, shifting to
NW/10-20. Highs 24-29.

Fri night: Mostly cloudy, light snow, 1-3". Winds NW/10-20. Lows 7-12.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy, scattered snow showers, T-2". Winds NW/10-15.
Highs 21-26. Lows 15-20

Sunday: Dry and mild.


C Mtns

Friday: Partly cloudy, scattered snow showers this afternoon, T".
Winds SW/10-20 g30 abv TL, shifting to NW/10-20. Highs 25-32.

Fri night: Partly cloudy, scattered snow showers, T-1". Winds
NW/10-20. Lows 8-13.

Saturday: Clear to partly cloudy. Winds NW/10-15. Highs 21-26. Lows
15-20

Sunday: Dry and mild.



S Mtns

Friday: Clear to partly cloudy, isolated snow showers this afternoon
in W San Juans, T". Winds SW/10-20 g30 abv TL, shifting to NW/10-20.
Highs 25-32.

Fri night: Partly cloudy, snow showers on north side Red Mtn Pass.
Winds NW/10-20. Lows 10-15.

Saturday: Clear. Winds NW/10-15. Highs 23-30. Lows 15-20

Sunday: Dry and warm.


SNOWPACK

Mild temperatures are settling the latest layer of new snow from
Wednesday's storm. There was little wind yesterday for blowing snow at
high elevations. Therefore, the new-snow instability that caused about
20 avalanches on Wednesday and Thursday has moderated. This is typical
of a spring-time snowpack. I am dropping the areas of CONSIDERABLE at
high elevations. The BC danger ratings for all mtns: LOW well below
TL, MODERATE near and above TL. Natural releases are unlikely, but
triggered releases in the new snow layer remain possible on the
steeper slopes. Isolated releases to the ground are possible only with
large explosives. Normal cautions are adequate for most backcountry
travel.


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