This morning’s 5 AM temperatures are about 10 degrees warmer than yesterday. The warming trend along with abundant sunshine will cause slopes to become unstable and result in wet snow avalanches. Although above 9,000 feet, dry snow wind slabs remain a concern. It is possible for backcountry travelers to trigger small to large slab avalanches on steep, wind-loaded slopes. On sunlit slopes and during the warmest periods of the day, these slabs will become more sensitive to triggers. Below 9,000 feet, shallow slab and loose snow avalanches may be found in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. These hazards will also increase as the day the warms. On all aspects up to 10,500 feet, underlying the surface slabs and loose snow are hard melt-freeze crusts. These crusts create a good sliding surface and may cause wet slides to release easily and run long distances. Avoid being on or under steep slopes as the snow surfaces become wet. 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, skiers and riders could trigger wind slab avalanches on a variety of aspects. These slabs could be up to 18 inches deep, and the likelihood of triggering them 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. )Tomorrow’s skies are expected to be mostly sunny to partly cloudy with temperatures starting out about 10 degrees warmer than today. Mountain temperatures are forecasted to climb into the mid to upper 30s and valleys into the upper 40s. Westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will be light. Above 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate and backcountry travelers could trigger wind slab avalanches 12 to 18 inches deep on steep, wind loaded terrain. These slabs will increase in sensitivity on sunlit slopes and during the warmest periods of the day. Below 9,000 feet, small slab and loose snow avalanches may be found in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. This hazard will also increase with daily warming. As temperatures climb above freezing and dry snow becomes wet for the first time, loose snow avalanche will be possible, especially on steep terrain. Due to the hard crust underlying these surface slabs and loose snow, there is potential for wet slides to release easily and run long distances. Avoid being on or under steep terrain when snow surfaces become wet.
