This season's snowpack has already gone through some interesting phases, including rapid growth back in October and now is quickly turning into recycled powder, also known as small faceted grains. If you are out in the backcountry, you will notice the surface layer is noisy. Remember this and where this occurs as it will come in handy later in the season. Keep in mind that snow coverage varries significantly from north to south. Areas near Independence and Monarch Passes seem to have received more snow thus far than the rest of the zone.

Throughout the zone, shallow slabs can be found on most leeward aspects at and above treeline. Snow coverage and thickness vary greatly depending on aspect, at and below treeline. Observers have noted how easy it is to migrate towards weak snow by seaching for the deepest coverage. The surface layer will be our next weak layer. Shallow slabs have formed above a mix of small faceted or sugar snow and thin crusts. In some areas, these snow layers are sitting above last season’s snow. Pay close attention to both collapsing and cracking as they are warning signs that avalanche activity could occur, given the right slope angle.

This is the time of the season where practicing patience, combined with heightened level of observation skills will help you make sound choices later in the season. The weak layers near the surface today, may become the layers that come alive later in the season when we discuss deep slab instability issues. Although avalanche activity is not out of the question, human triggered slab avalanches are possible. Pay close attention to what the snow feels like beneath you and take note of where you find settled versus unsettled snow layers. Keep a close eye on your speed as abrupt stops may induce the need to practice your first aid skills. Think about the consequences of not only being caught in an avalanche but also having a season ending fall due to trauma caused by a shallow snowpack. This is a great time to be out there...pay attentioin for later by gathering data now.

Beautiful fall weather continues as a ridge of high pressure builds over Colorado.Today expect clear skies and light winds from the west and southwest. The next low-pressure system is brewing in the Pacific Northwest. Overnight winds speeds over the highest terrain will increase into the 20 to 30 mph range and clouds will start to build in the Northern Mountains. The low-pressure trough will pass through Colorado on Saturday. Clouds will spread into the Central Mountains with scattered snow showers in the Northern Mountains.There is a slight break before a second low-pressure system moves in on Sunday. This is a slightly stronger system, but most of the weather will remain in the northern half of the state.