Loose Wet
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1–1.5
Limited amounts of surface wet snow are expected to form today. Slopes that have both direct sun exposure and wind protection, especially at low to mid elevations, are expected to experience the most snow surface melt today. Many slopes are expected to remain frozen all day due to cool NE winds and decreased maximum daytime air temperatures. While unlikely today, if you encounter more than a couple of inches of surface wet snow, or the snow surface feels like it is becoming unsupportable, consider opting for slopes that are not steep enough to avalanche.
A strong snow surface refreeze occurred last night due to limited cloud cover and air temperatures in the teens to 20s across the forecast area. Very firm, frozen snow surfaces are expected this morning across all aspects on both open slopes and under thick forest canopy. Snow surface melt is expected at a gradual rate today on open slopes. Areas adjacent to rock outcrops and cliff bands may experience increased snow surface melt rates. Avalanches of wet, loose snow are unlikely today on a regional scale. An isolated area of instability is not impossible where deeper wet snow forms due to just the right set of conditions coming together in terms of sun exposure, wind protection, avalanche terrain, and a backcountry traveler as the trigger.