At the upper elevations sunshine and warming temperatures are likely to cause shallow loose snow sluffs in very steep terrain. Small pockets of wind slab could also be human triggered in steep terrain and will become increasingly sensitive to ski cuts as temperatures rise. These small slides pose a danger to skiers and riders who venture into very steep couloirs, cliff areas and other extreme terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and avoid features of concern. The snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Pockets of wind slab 6 to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered on a variety of aspects in steep terrain at the upper elevations and in isolated areas at the mid elevations. The potential for humans to trigger these slabs will increase as the day warms.
A high pressure ridge at the surface and aloft will be over the region. Skies will be mostly clear with some patchy areas of morning valley fog. Temperatures at 10,500 feet are likely to be 10 to 15 degrees warmer at dawn then they were this morning. Daytime highs will rise into the 40s in the mountains and into the 50s in the valleys. Winds will be light at five to ten miles per hour and back towards the west.As the day progresses warm temperatures and abundant sunshine will increase the hazard for wet slide activity and for cornice releases. The general avalanche hazard is anticipated to LOW in the early morning hours and increase to MODERATE after significant warming occurs and snow surfaces soften. Humans could trigger pockets of wind slab in steep couloirs and cliffs areas. Wet slides are possible on steep slopes and human and naturally triggered cornice releases are possible. Cornice drops upon steep slopes could trigger large slab avalanches. Monitor conditions, evaluate terrain carefully and avoid avalanche prone terrain during the warmest portion of the day.
