Continuing warm temperatures are keeping wet instabilities in the forecast. Near treeline and at alpine elevations Cornice Falls continue to be the primary avalanche problem. While large avalanches on deep weak layers remain unlikely, a Cornice Fall could trigger a secondary avalanche on these layers. On the warmest slopes and primarily below treeline, Wet Loose avalanches will be possible.
Cornices will remain weak until temeratures drop below freezing. We have had rain, sun, and temperatures well above freezing for the past 3-4 days. All of these factors melt the snow and weaken cornices. Avoid traveling near cornices and beneath particularly large cornices. Cornices can break farther back than you might expect. Cornice collapses may also trigger very large avalanches on the slopes below.
Our peristent weak layers from early January are now burried over 2 meters deep. They have been through a lot: significant accumulation of new snow in a short time, and more recently reavy rain, and very warm temperatures. I am optimistic that this problem will be disappearing from the forecast shortly (barring any more activity), but it will remain here as long as Cornice Collapses are a particular concern. While these weak layers are deep enough that it is unlikely a rider will trigger them, a Cornice Fall or other avalanche could trigger an avalanche on these layers. Avoid large, steep slopes with big cornices overhead.
Wet Loose avalanches are likely on the warmest slopes where overnight low temperatures remain well above freezing, and tree cover prevents overnight cooling. The forecast is calling for overcast and broken skies so I'm not expecting this problem to extend to Near Treeline or the Alpine; if the sun does come out Wet Loose avalanches will be possible at higher elevations on sunny slopes.
