It's warm. This morning's 5 am temperatures are in the mid to upper 30’s at the higher elevations and in the 40’s at the mid elevations. These warm temperatures are increasing the potential for small to large wet snow avalanches to release naturally and be triggered by humans. Wet loose slides are possible on steep slopes and could gouge down into the snowpack, gain volume, and run long distances. The potential for large wet slab avalanches to occur must be considered. These potential wet snow avalanche hazards warrant a cautious approach to avalanche terrain. Wet snow surfaces, wet snow beneath the snow surface, a loss of strength in the snowpack and new avalanche activity are clear indications of instability.
Wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible today on a variety of aspects. Once these slides are triggered they may entrain significant volumes of wet snow, gain volume and run long distances. These slides could be several feet deep and in some areas may step or gouge down to the ground.
Another mild night with increasing clouds is in the forecast. Cooler air and moisture will begin to move into the region on Monday. Overnight lows will be in the 30’s. Daytime highs will be in the 40’s. Precipitation will move into the region and likely begin as rain at the lower elevations and a mix of rain and snow in the mountains. A change over to all snow is anticipated in the evening hours. Winds will be from the southwest at 15 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts.Warm temperatures and rain showers will keep the wet snow avalanche hazard elevated. Wet snow avalanches will continue to be a concern on steep slopes. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate.
