A significant warm up will occur today and increase the avalanche hazard. Predawn temperatures at 10,870 feet are 27 degrees. This warming will increase the sensitivity of stiff wind slabs to human triggers and could create wet slides. Cornice drops are possible during the heat of the day and could trigger slab avalanches on the slopes beneath them. Monitor conditions and get off and out from under steep terrain after snow surfaces soften.
At the mid and upper elevations hard wind slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep wind loaded avalanche prone terrain. These stiff slabs are expected to be one to two feet deep and will become more sensitive to human triggers as the day progresses and snow surfaces soften.
Wet slides are possible today after temperatures warm and snow surfaces soften. These slides could release naturally or be human triggered. Wet loose slides are possible on steep sunlit slopes. Dangerous, wet slabs could fail to the ground with depths to five feet.
