Dangerous avalanche conditions continue. Three nights of above freezing temperatures at all elevations and warm daytime temperatures have resulted in a weak and unsupportive snowpack. Wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible today. These wet slides could release naturally and will be easily triggered by backcountry riders and skiers trying to navigate steep terrain. Although most likely to occur at the higher elevations, wet slides could still release at any elevation where the snowpack is deep enough and the terrain steep enough for them to occur. Backcountry travelers are encouraged to get in and out of the mountains early this morning and to remember that wet slides can run long distances and impact trails below them. Be wary of travelling under any large avalanche path today.
Wet loose avalanches will be likely in steep terrain today. These may occur naturally and will be easily triggered by skiers and riders. The likelihood of triggering will increase as rising temperatures and sunlight impacts snow surfaces. These avalanches have the potential to entrain significant amounts of snow.
Water moving through the snowpack has the potential to further weaken old snow layers that were problematic earlier in the season. Although less likely than wet loose slides, if initiated, these slabs could be large with depths in the 1-3 foot range. At the higher elevations, these slabs could involve a combination of dry and wet snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperatures are to stay above freezing for the third night in a row this evening. Highs tomorrow will reach into the upper forties in upper elevation terrain. Snow near high peaks and summits should stay cooler, due to southwest winds averaging around 20 miles per hour. In the valleys, expect mild inversions with lows near thirty and highs in the sixties. Again, clouds will be present but conditions will be mostly sunny. The general avalanche danger will remain Considerable at all elevations on Monday. Another warm day and a weak snowpack demands respect. Although stable snow can be found early in the morning, the snowpack will be unstable in most terrain by mid-morning. Wet slides could be human triggered or release naturally. The potential exists for avalanches to become large as they descend and run long distances. Recreationalists are encouraged to get in and out of the mountains by mid- morning or to wait until the weather pattern becomes a melt-freeze regime.
