It is finally feeling like winter here in the Tushar’s! The storms over the MLK weekend helped us out a lot. The Big Flat SNOTEL site is currently reporting that we are at 79% of normal snow water equivalent for this time of year. Normally we have 8.6” of water in the snowpack, but this year we have 6.8”. The Big Flat Site is currently reporting 34”, while the Merchant Valley site is reporting 27”, and the Kimberly Mine site is reporting 28”. In the past week the temperature barely rose to above freezing on the high peaks. On Monday (01/15/2024) several small avalanches were reported along the closed section of highway 153, by the trail groomer. Another observation was reported, which you can read HERE.
On Friday, expect partly sunny conditions with a high near 29. Wind chill values could drop as low as 9, and the west-southwest wind will be blowing between 7 to 11 mph. Friday night will be mostly cloudy with a low around 19, and wind chill values as low as 4. It will be breezy, with a south-southwest wind increasing from 11 to 22 mph after midnight. Wind gusts could reach as high as 33 mph.
Saturday brings a likelihood of snow, mainly after noon, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 22. Wind chill values could be as low as 3, and a south-southwest wind will be blowing at 18 to 23 mph. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with around an inch of new snow accumulation possible. Saturday night continues the snow likelihood with a cloudy sky and a low around 19. The south-southwest wind will be breezy, ranging from 13 to 23 mph, and there is a 70% chance of precipitation. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches is possible.
Sunday remains snowy and cloudy, with a high near 22 and a 70% chance of precipitation. Expect new snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches. Sunday night, snow is likely, mainly before midnight, with mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 17. The chance of precipitation is 60%, and new snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches is possible.
Stay alert while in avalanche terrain. Stay out from under cornices, and wind loaded slopes. Watch out for red flags. Avalanches have reportedly been breaking all the way to the ground. See you out on the skin track!
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