The freeze was only three to five hours last night up to 9,000ft. Though short, this is likely enough to keep the wet snow problems at bay until the afternoon. Increasing clouds by mid-day should help temper the sun. As ambient air temperatures increase and the sun peeks through, stability can deteriorate quickly. The snowpack has become isothermal in some places, it is not likely that it has completely refrozen. Anticipate increasing avalanche danger as temperatures rise today. Carefully assess the depth of freeze as rapid changes can occur.Drew Gibson, Forecaster
Moderate danger for loose wet avalanches will exist when the snow softens. Steep slopes and terrain features with gloppy snow can be likely trigger points. Inspecting below the surface for unsupportive wet snow can aid in the stability assessment. Be prepared to change plans early when wet, unsupportive snow is encountered.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Across the majority of the forecast area temperatures will drop into the high twenties near 9,000ft tonight. Elevations near and below 9,000ft in the Southwest Trails/Grey’s River area will only dip to freezing. Scattered clouds continue overnight and tomorrow morning with southwest wind averaging in the teens. Things will get warm mid-day with highs in the mid-thirties. Clouds will increase during the day as the next system approaches tomorrow evening. The Southwest Trails/Grey’s River area will see snow first as the system moves north. Expect very light accumulations until the bulk of the storm hits Saturday. Cold temperatures tonight will help freeze the snowpack. Warming temperatures will return tomorrow and will soften things up, but with increasing clouds through the day it is hard to say how much. In the morning the avalanche danger will be Low. As ambient air temperatures increase and the sun peeks through, stability is likely to deteriorate quickly. Moderate danger for loose wet avalanches will exist on solar aspects when the snow softens. Tomorrow, careful assessment of the snowpack will be needed to identify the depth of the freeze. Traveling earlier in the day will help reduce uncertainty with stability.
