Temperature inversions are well established. At the higher elevations warmer temperatures and sunshine will be increasing the potential for humans to trigger slab avalanches on steep terrain features. Wet sloughs are also possible on steep sunlit aspects. At the lower elevations (below an elevation of 8,000 feet) the snowpack is mostly stable. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard from today's warm up and move off of and out from under steep slopes if warming conditions are significantly impacting the stability of the snowpack.
Slab avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers on steep terrain features. These slabs could be up to three feet deep. At the lower elevations, slabs could be triggered on isolated terrain features. Those slab could be dangerous if they are triggered above a terrain trap. Today's sunshine and rising temperatures may to increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A high-pressure ridge will keep conditions dry. Overnight lows will be below zero in the valleys and in the single digits on the peaks. Daytime highs will rise into the mid-20’s to mid-30’s. Westerly winds will continue to be light.At the higher elevations warmer temperatures and sunshine will be increasing the potential for humans to trigger slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet in depth on steep terrain features. Wet sloughs are also possible on steep sunlit aspects. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate at the higher elevations and low below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
