In the mountains, altitude decides the forecast

In steep terrain a single model grid box mixes valley floor and summit. KULING uses valley station measurements as its reference, shows how conditions change with altitude, and marks the forecast uncertain when the models disagree.

• New snow amount and how quickly it fell.
• Wind speed and direction — wind transport builds the slabs, not snowfall alone.
• Temperature swings and rain on snow, which weaken the pack.
• Official danger levels where the national avalanche service publishes them.

Weather data supports your judgement in the field; it never replaces it. Always read the official avalanche bulletin for the region before heading out.