New snow from this week’s storm along with easterly to west-northwesterly winds formed slabs over hard crusts at the highest elevations. Due to the atypical easterly wind direction, slopes that are often stripped may be loaded. Above 9,000 feet, it is possible for backcountry travelers to trigger small to large wind slab avalanches. As the day warms, these slabs will become more sensitive to triggers especially on sunlit slopes. Below 9,000 feet, the avalanche hazard is low this morning but is expected to increase to moderate in the afternoon. Increasing temperatures and strong solar radiation will cause loose snow over hard crusts to quickly change from stable to unstable, and small loose, wet avalanches are expected on terrain steeper than 35 degrees. These slides could catch skier and riders by surprise and have severe consequences in complex avalanche terrain. Today, monitor conditions and as the snow surfaces become wet transition to shaded terrain. Evaluate terrain carefully and avoid unnecessary risks during the COVID-19 crisis. Extra caution is warranted, especially if you are traveling solo.
Above 9,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger wind slab avalanches formed by northeast to west winds. These slabs could be 18 inches deep. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase during the warmest periods of the day and on slopes with direct solar radiation. Avoid wind loaded features when the snow surfaces are melting.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Overnight skies are expected to clear and temperatures will drop into the single digits to teens. Tomorrow skies will be mostly clear. Mountain temperatures will rise into the 30s and valleys in the 40s. Westerly to southerly winds are forecasted to be light. Light winds and cold temperatures overnight will contribute to the avalanche hazard decreasing. In the morning the general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate above 9,000 feet and low below that elevation. At the upper elevations, it is possible for backcountry travelers to trigger winds slabs 12 to 18 inches deep on south to west-facing slopes. As the day warms, these slabs will become more sensitive to triggers. At the mid-elevations, the avalanche hazard is expected to increase in the afternoon, especially on sunlit slopes. Underlying the cold snow are hard crust, which makes for good sliding surfaces. As the new snow becomes wet for the first time, it will quickly change from stable to unstable and cause loose snow avalanches. At the lowest elevations avalanche activity is not expected.
