The general avalanche hazard is LOW this morning as the snowpack is topped with hard crusts that were formed by temperatures near or below the freezing point and clear skies overnight. As sunlight and warming temperatures break down these crusts the possibility for wet loose and wet slab activity will develop and the avalanche hazard will rise to Moderate. During these warm spring cycles it is always recommended that backcountry enthusiasts recreate in the morning and head out of the mountains before the snowpack is overly weakened.
Wet loose avalanches are possible on a variety of aspects in steep terrain at all elevations. These wet slides could be human triggered and have potential to entrain snow to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothermal.
Wet slab avalanches could be human triggered this afternoon once the snowpack has softened.
A Pacific tough and associated cold front is expected to bring scattered snow and rain showers to the mountains overnight with little accumulation. Partly cloudy skies should allow air temperatures to fall into the mid-20s by dawn and enable snow surfaces to refreeze. Another mild day is expected on Sunday with partly cloudy skies and the possibility of scattered rain and snow showers in the mountains. Temperatures will rise into the 30s and 40s. Winds will be southwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW in the morning and rise to MODERATE after snow surfaces soften. Human triggered wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes during the warmer portions of the day.
