Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain.
Sun and high temperatures are making large natural avalanches likely.
80-150 cm of settling snow sits over a weak layer of faceted snow and spotty surface hoar on a firm crust. Rising freezing levels and solar input will increase the likelihood of triggering this layer.
Warming and periods of sun will produce widespread wet loose avalanches, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes. These may step-down and trigger deeper slab avalanches.
On Friday, widespread natural avalanches were reported up to size 2.5, loose wet and wet slabs possibly failing on the persistent weak layer formed in early February.
As freezing levels remain elevated, we expect natural avalanche activity to continue.
As sunny days and high freezing levels continue, more of the upper snowpack will get moist or wet. This will make the snowpack more unstable, including any persistent weak layers under the most recent snow, including a layer of large feathery surface hoar observed in the Mt. Cain area.
80 to 120 cm below the snow surface, a layer of softer, faceted snow overlies a crust on all but high north aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Saturday Night
Clear. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline low around 8°C.
Sunday
Sunny. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind, easing to light in the afternoon. Treeline temperature around 7 °C.
Monday
Sunny. Light south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 10 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
