Cornices
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1
Clear skies and cool overnight temperatures should have allowed the snowpack to refreeze. As the day warms up, the firm refrozen surfaces should soften starting with the sun-exposed E-SE aspects and progressing to the S-SW-W aspects throughout the day. Wind-sheltered mid to lower elevations slopes should experience the most warming while more exposed upper elevation slopes will take longer to soften. In some places, these upper elevation areas may remain firm for most of the day. A strong overnight refreeze, moderately warm daytime highs, and some light winds today should help limit the amount of wet snow that forms. Significant loose wet avalanche activity should remain unlikely today.
Widespread firm surfaces and breakable crusts have resulted in variable and challenging backcountry conditions with the potential for long sliding falls and/or collisions with exposed obstacles. Careful timing that allows soft corn snow to form on sun-exposed slopes and terrain selection that matches your group's skills and equipment can make backcountry travel more fun and safer.