Warming temperatures will thaw crusts and increase the avalanche hazard. Wet slides will be possible on steep slopes after significant warming has occurred and snow surfaces are soft. Avalanche terrain should be avoided after crusts thaw.
Wet loose slides are possible on very steep slopes after crusts soften and could pull out deeper layers. Once started, slides may step down to the ground on very steep slopes where the snow is wet, loose and unconsolidated.
Wet slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes after surface crust thaw. These slabs could fail on buried layers of faceted snow and could be triggered by snowmachines or skiers. Once crusts have softened avalanche terrain should be avoided. Skis or boots penetrating easily into deeper snow are indications of dangerous conditions.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies are expected to rapidly clear after sunset. Thursday will be dry and warmer with increasing clouds in the afternoon. Temperatures will drop into the 20s overnight and rise into the 40s during the day. Winds will be light at 10 to 15 miles per hour at the summit level and back from the west to the southwest.Clear skies will allow snow surfaces to harden overnight and soften during the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW in the early morning hours and increase to MODERATE after significant warming creates the potential for wet slides to occur on steep slopes.
