Do not let clear skies lure you into taking increased risks today. Be responsible and make conservative decisions in order to not further burden rescue, EMS, or health care systems at this time. Above 9000 feet, slab avalanches could be human triggered in steep terrain where recent wind loading has occurred. These slabs are most likely to be found near exposed ridges and in cliffy areas. Slabs will become increasingly more sensitive this morning and afternoon as they are weakened by rapidly warming temperatures and direct sunlight. Warming will also provide the possibility for wet slide activity at all elevations this afternoon. Wet slide activity is likely to involve only surface snow above 8000 feet and could involve older snow to the ground below that elevation.
Soft slabs with depths to eighteen inches 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. )Cloud cover is move easterly overnight and by noon on Wednesday clear skies are expected. This clearing will allow for slightly cooler overnight temperatures. However, the clear skies during the day and the light northwest to north winds that are to have averages near ten miles per hour will quickly allow air temperature to reach into the thirties even on summits, while valleys reach into the fifties. Although the avalanche danger will be Low in the early morning, the danger will increase during the day. Above 9000 feet, recent wind slabs could be human triggered and will increase in sensitivity before noon. As the day progresses, wet slide activity will become possible at all elevations although it is only likely to involve recently fallen surface snow above 8500 feet. During the COVID-19 crisis everyone is encouraged to stay out of known avalanche paths, particularly steep starting zones.
