Human triggered avalanches continue to be possible above 9000 feet where yesterday's new snow and strong winds have formed pockets of wind slab in steep leeward terrain, particularly near summits, ridge crests and cliffy terrain. Avoid these areas even though they may seem attractive as they are connected to longer runs or appear to have good snow quality or deeper powder. Be responsible and use extra restraint with decision making so as to not burden rescue, EMS, or health care systems at this time. Below 9000 feet, overnight freezing has hardened the snow surface and the avalanche danger is low this morning. As snow surfaces are warmed by both increasing temperatures and direct sunlight today, wet slide activity will become possible at all elevations.
Soft slabs with depths to two feet lie in steep wind loaded terrain above 9000 feet. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase this afternoon.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The partial clearing this afternoon is to be short lived. Periods of snow in the mountains and rain at the lower elevations are expected to continue until around midnight. Strong winds and thunderstorms are also possible during this period. On Tuesday, a possibility for occasional showers(snow/rain) will continue. Temperatures are to be on the warm side, with mountain highs reaching into the mid-thirties. Wind speeds are to decrease to averages below twenty miles per hour. As overnight temperatures drop below the freezing point at all elevations, crusts will develop on the saturated snowpack at the lower elevations and in any terrain at the higher elevations where the new snow became damp from sunlight and/or warm temperatures. The general avalanche hazard will remain Moderate at the upper elevations where pockets of dry winds slab lurk in cold leeward fetch areas. These slabs could be human triggered . Be responsible and take extra caution to avoid these areas and not burden rescue and health care systems during the COVID-19 crisis. Below 9000 feet, the danger will be Low in the morning and rise to Moderate in the afternoon s as surfaces are weakened by sunlight and warming and the chance for wet slides develops.
