Wet slab avalanches are possible today as recent rain and warm termperatures has resulted in a warm and weak snowpack. Overnight freezing of the snow surface only occurred above 9000 feet and that surface crust should quickly break down as it is weakened this morning by sunlight and increasing temperatures. Deep hard slab avalanches also continue to be an unlikely but potential hazard in steep upper elevation active avalanche paths. Cornices on high ridge have been weakened by consecutive warm days and travel on or under them should be avoided. Evaluate terrain carefully today and identify features or areas where the wet slide activity is more likely.
A very slight potential remains for snowmobiles to trigger deep hard slab avalanches in very steep upper elevation avalanche paths. These slabs could have depths from two to four feet.
Wet loose slides are possible in very steep terrain on a variety of aspects. These slides could entrain deeper layers of snow to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothermal.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After periods of snow and rain showers through the night, Monday looks be drier as high pressure moving in from the northwest begins to establish itself over the area. Temperatures in the mountains look to be in the low thirties in the morning with highs in the mid to upper forties during the afternoon. Winds will be light and variable. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate tomorrow. The snowpack is warm and weak. The chance continues to trigger small wet slides that could entrain significant amounts of snow in longer paths, particularly at the mid elevations. Large cornices that have not failed will be fragile to human presence and could peel off naturally.
