Avalanches are unlikely during the morning except for isolated pockets of shallow wind slab that were formed during the snow event earlier in the week. During the afternoon, warm temperatures and sunlight will weaken the snow surface and provide for the possibility of wet slides. Backcountry travelers are encouraged to complete their excursions during the morning hours and to be mindful of terrain above them as wet slides can entrain significant volume on big avalanche features and paths.
Shallow surface slabs with depths of four inches to a foot could be triggered in isolated wind loaded pockets above 9000 feet in steep shaded terrain.
This afternoon, wet loose avalanche activity will become possible in all snow covered terrain affected by sunlight and warming. The snowpack is well consolidated and this wet slide activity is likely to only involve the top portion of the snowpack however in continuous steep terrain the amount of snow involved could become significant.
On Saturday, temperatures are to start on the unseasonable warm side. Clouds and west winds are to increase and there is a chance for isolated rain and snow showers in the afternoon as a fast moving weak system moves through. Mountain highs are to again reach well into the forties. The general avalanche hazard will be Low in the early morning and quickly rise to Moderate by afternoon as thin morning surface crusts soften and the possibility for wet slides develops. Wet slides are unpredictable and backcountry travellers are encouraged to recreate early and to be out of avalanche terrain by the afternoon.
