Sunny skies and rising freezing levels will increase the likelihood for both wet loose avalanches and cornice failures throughout the day on Friday. Avoid large slopes facing the sun and slopes exposed to large cornices; especially during the heat of the day.
Watch for wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. Southerly winds have been loading lee terrain, especially near ridge crests.
Recent strong southwest through northwest winds have been building fresh cornice growth.
Cornices falls can be a hazard on their own, and can also act as a trigger for avalanches on the slopes below.
Wet loose avalanches will become increasingly likely throughout the day on steep solar aspects at all elevations.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Clearing / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -9 / Freezing level 2100 m.
FRIDAY: Sunny / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 5 / Freezing level 2400 m.
SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 7 / Freezing level 2500 m.
SUNDAY: Snow/rain; 3-5 mm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 4 / Freezing level 2100 m.
On Wednesday, no new avalanches were reported in this region.
The 20-40 cm of recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous melt freeze crusts from mid March that were found on all but steep north facing alpine slopes. Strong southeasterly winds have been transporting snow and forming new wind slabs in lee features. Cornices are reported to be large and looming. With rising freezing levels and sunny skies, snow will likely lose strength as it becomes moist on all aspects at lower elevations and solar aspects at upper elevations.
The mid-pack is firm and well settled. Some faceted snow and a decomposing melt-freeze crust can be found near the base of the snowpack.
