Rising freezing levels and sunshine will increase the likelihood of avalanches in many areas. Avoid exposure to cornices and steep sun-exposed slopes.
Cornices weaken significantly when exposed to sun and warm temperatures. When they fail, they can have enough mass to be very destructive, and they can also trigger slab avalanches on the slopes below them.
Warm temperatures and sunshine are expected to create prime conditions for wet loose avalanches. Solar aspects will be the most likely trigger areas, but warm temperatures could potentially cause wet loose avalanches on all aspects.
FRIDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near 1 / freezing level 2000 m
SATURDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near 4 / freezing level 2300 m
SUNDAY - Snow and rain mix, 25 cm/mm / strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 1600 m in the morning, dropping to 1000 m in the afternoon
MONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light variable wind / alpine high temperature near -2 / freezing level 1000 m
Rising freezing levels and sunshine will increase the likelihood of avalanches and cornice failures on Saturday.
Wind slabs can be found on leeward slopes at upper elevations and may remain possible to trigger. Solar aspects likely have a crust on the surface, which will become moist when exposed to sun and rising freezing levels. Soft, dry snow may still be found in sheltered, shaded areas. Massive cornices exist on ridgelines, which can act as triggers on slopes below.
