Cornices
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1
A decent snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night despite some cloud cover and a few weather stations in the 7,800' to 8,200' elevation range reporting above freezing air temperatures due to weak air temperature inversion. Daytime warming will lead to snow surface melt today during the late morning and afternoon hours, mainly on mid to lower elevation slopes. How much melt occurs today will vary slope by slope and be dependent on cloud cover and wind exposure. Minor loose wet instabilities are unlikely but not impossible this afternoon in areas of direct sun exposure, wind protection, and minimal cloud cover. Some slopes, especially at the upper elevations may stay frozen and firm all day.
There are lots of areas with firm snow surfaces out there and sliding falls leading to impacts with rocks or trees remain a concern. Plan accordingly in terms of terrain, route selection, group ability, and equipment.