A warm up will occur and increase the avalanche hazard. Predawn temperatures at 10,500 feet are 27 degrees. This warming will increase the sensitivity of stiff wind slabs to human triggers and could create wet slides. Cornice drops are possible during the heat of the day and could trigger slab avalanches on the slopes beneath them. Monitor conditions and get off and out from under steep terrain after snow surfaces soften. Beware of hanging snowfields overhead which could shed wet slides onto unsuspecting travelers.
At the mid and upper elevations hard wind slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones, steep couloirs and cliff areas. These stiff slabs are expected to be one to two feet deep and will become more sensitive to human triggers as the day progresses and snow surfaces soften.
Wet loose slides are possible on steep slopes at all elevations. These slides will be most likely in areas that are protected from the wind and collect heat. Wet loose and wet slab avalanches could release naturally or be human triggered and could release to the ground on slopes with a shallow snow cover.
Dry and mild conditions will continue with thermal inversions and warm temperatures aloft. A few clouds are possible on Wednesday above areas of morning valley fog. Overnight temperatures will drop into the lower teens in the valleys and into the mid-20s in the mountains. Daytime highs will rise into the mid-30s to near 40 at all elevations. West-northwest winds with average speeds of 15 miles per hour are expected along the higher ridge crests.The general avalanche hazard will increase as the day warms and is expected to be MODERATE. Stiff wind slabs with depths to 18 inches have some potential to be human triggered in steep terrain at the higher elevations. Wet loose slides are possible on steep sunlit aspects at all elevations. In the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area persistent slabs with depths to five feet could be human triggered in steep active avalanche paths.
