This morning’s 5 AM temperatures are about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. The warming trend along with abundant sunshine will cause slopes to become unstable and result in wet snow avalanches. Although above 9,000 feet, dry snow wind slabs remain a concern. It is possible for backcountry travelers to trigger small to large slab avalanches on steep, wind-loaded slopes. On sunlit slopes and during the warmest periods of the day, these slabs will become more sensitive to triggers. Below 9,000 feet, shallow slab and loose snow avalanches may be found in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. These hazards will also increase as the day the warms. On all aspects up to 10,500 feet, underlying the surface slabs and loose snow are hard melt-freeze crusts. These crusts create a good sliding surface and may cause wet slides to release easily and run long distances. Avoid being on or under steep slopes as the snow surfaces become wet. Evaluate terrain carefully and avoid unnecessary risks during the COVID-19 crisis. Extra caution is warranted, especially if you are traveling solo.
At the upper-elevations, skiers and riders could trigger wind slab avalanches on a variety of aspects. These slabs could be up to 18 inches deep, and the likelihood of triggering them will increase during the warmest periods of the day and on slopes with direct solar radiation. Avoid wind loaded features when the snow surfaces are melting.
Expect partly cloudy skies and the chance for convective mountain snow showers in the afternoon. Any precipitation will be in the form of rain in the valleys. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near 40 during the heat of the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.On Sunday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet and rising from Low to Moderate in the afternoon between 7,500 feet and 9,000 feet. Above 7,500 feet, any avalanche activity will be confined to last week’s snowfall which resides above stout melt-freeze crusts that provide good sliding surfaces. Up high, skiers and riders may be able to trigger wind slabs with depths ranging from 6 to 18 inches in steep, wind loaded terrain. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase as the day warms. Solar input and daytime warming will also bring about the possibility of wet slides. Get an early start, monitor warming temperatures and the impact of the sun, and have a safe plan to descend before snow surfaces become wet. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet. With the backcountry remaining crowded, strict social distancing protocols are essential.
