Rising temperatures and sunshine will increase the avalanche hazard throughout the day. On steep avalanche prone slopes at the higher elevations (above an elevation of 8,500 feet) large slab avalanches could be triggered by humans or release naturally. As the sun appears the hazard could rapidly change from stable to unstable. Overnight, a short period of below freezing temperatures at the lower elevations formed a weak crust. This crust could quickly melt and reveal wet or isothermal snow. Wet snow avalanche hazards are a potential hazard on steep terrain features at the lower elevations. Wet snow avalanche hazards could also be a threat at the higher elevations with rising temperatures and solar radiation. As the day warms, careful terrain evaluation will become essential and it will be important to avoid crossing below large avalanche paths.
At the higher elevations destructive dense slab avalanches could release naturally or be triggered by skiers or riders. These slabs could be up to three feet deep and could run long distances. Conservative terrain choices and a cautious approach to avalanche terrain and run out zones are warranted.
Wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible on steep terrain features. The potential for wet slides to occur on steep slopes will increase with daily warming and could rapidly increase as the sun comes out. These wet slides could gouge down to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothemal.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall and cloud cover will diminish as high pressure builds over the region. Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper teens to upper 30s in the mountains and mid-20s to 40s in the valleys. Southwest to west winds will remain light to moderate and back to the north. If temperatures reach the forecast lows of below freezing in the valleys, the general avalanche hazard in the morning will be low below 8,000 feet and moderate above that elevation. The hazard will increase with daily warming and the sun’s radiation. Warming temperatures will cause upper elevation wind slabs to become more reactive and likely be triggered by a human or possibly release naturally. At mid and lower elevations as surface crusts melt, wet snow and areas of isothermal snowpack will be revealed. Throughout the day, careful terrain evaluation will become essential and it will be important to avoid crossing below large avalanche paths.
