Temperatures at an elevation of 8,000 feet have been above freezing for over eight days. The freezing level during this period has been fluctuating between 8,000 feet at night and up to 10,500 feet during the day. The snowpack is isothermal at the lower elevations and in many areas at the mid elevations. Areas of wet, unconsolidated snow exist above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Wet loose avalanches are possible in steep terrain on a variety of aspects. Stay off of and out from under steep slopes in areas where snow surfaces are wet and unconsolidated.
Wet loose slides are possible at all elevations in very steep terrain and cliff areas. These wet slides could release naturally or be triggered by humans. After release these slides can fan out and gain volume as they gouge down and en-train more wet snow into the moving avalanche debris.
Moisture associated with a Pacific trough is to bring three to eight inches of snowfall to the upper elevations by Thursday night. Heaviest snowfall is to occur between 4am and noon Thursday. Temperatures are to be slightly cooler with highs at 9000 feet in the mid-thirties and valley temperatures reaching the mid-forties. Snow fall could briefly reach the valley floor during the morning.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Wet slides will be possible in steep terrain at the low elevations in the early morning and will quickly become possible at all elevations as specific areas warm and the snow surface softens.
