Abundant sunshine and warm temperatures will melt crusts and increase the wet snow avalanche hazard. Areas of wet, unconsolidated snow are likely to develop below an elevation of 9,500 feet and in steep sunlit rocky areas above that elevation. At the highest elevations small wet, loose slides and isolated pockets of shallow wind slab could have consequences for skiers and climbers who venture into cliff areas and no fall zones. Watch out for unstable snow in isolated terrain features.
Warming temperatures will be increasing the wet snow avalanche hazard. Wet slides are possible in cliff areas and on very steep slopes after snow surfaces soften and the snowpack becomes wet and weak. Monitor temperatures and the impact of the sun, and transition to colder terrain when crusts begin to break down.
The next storm system will bring a mix of rain and snow to the region. Precipitation will begin overnight and continue through the day. The freezing level is expected to be around 7,500 feet. Upper elevations could receive three to six inches of new snow by Thursday evening. Valley locations will experience rain showers. Winds will be southwest to south at 10 to 20 miles per hour.At the lower elevations rain showers falling upon wet loose snow could create a wet snow avalanche hazard. At the upper elevations dense new snow will fall upon hard crust and dry loose snow. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW in the morning. It could increase to MODERATE if rainfall totals become significant at the lower elevations and if snowfall totals exceed the forecast amounts at the upper elevations.
