Mountain temperatures are starting out a few degrees cooler than yesterday, but cloud cover still prevented significant radiation cooling. At the mid and upper elevations, the threat of shallow wet slides could return on solar aspects in the afternoon if extended periods of sunshine occur. Skiers and riders might also be able to trigger a shallow, isolated pocket of dry soft slab on very steep, high elevation, north facing slopes. At the lower elevations, wet slides will be possible throughout the day. Get an early start, monitor the warmup and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Roof slides are still happening. Grand Teton National Park has extended its bighorn sheep winter habitat closure on Mount Hunt and in the Prospector Mountain/Static Peak area from April 1 until April 30. Please respect these closures.
As the day warms, the likelihood for wet slides will be on the rise. Shallow wet loose sluffs involving the recent snowfall may become possible above 7,500 feet. Lower down, in terrain where the snowpack is close to being isothermal, wet slides could gouge down to the ground and possibly release as a wet slab. Any breaks in cloud cover will exacerbate this problem.
A Pacific weather system will bring light to moderate mountain snow/valley rain to the region on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near 30 in the afternoon. Valley temperatures will dip below freezing tonight before climbing into the low 40s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard above 7,500 feet is expected to be Low on Sunday morning. If cloud cover keeps the sun’s effect at bay, mostly stable conditions should remain through the day. While valley temperatures are forecasted to fall below freezing overnight, rain showers during the day could keep the threat of wet slides alive, which will result in Moderate hazard where the snowpack persists. Get an early start, monitor the warmup and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant.
