Strong winds and dense snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions. At the mid and upper elevations large to very large slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by humans and could release naturally, especially if the sun appears. These slab avalanches could then gouge down and entrain old wet snow. Yesterday on Taylor a large dry slab avalanche released naturally and entrained wet debris. In the valleys temperatures have remained mostly above freezing. Wet snow avalanches are a potential hazard on steep terrain features at the lower elevations. Wet snow avalanche hazards could also be a threat at the mid and upper elevations as temperatures increase and skies clear. Expert terrain and snowpack evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
At the mid and upper elevations destructive dense slab avalanches could release naturally or be triggered by skiers or riders. These slabs could be two to four feet deep. Conservative terrain choices and a cautious approach to avalanche terrain and run out zones are warranted.
Wet loose and web slab avalanches are possible on steep terrain features. The potential for wet slides to occur on steep slopes will increase as the day warms and could rapidly increase on steep sunlit slopes. These wet slides could gouge down to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothemal.
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.
