East Slopes South

Very dangerous avalanche conditions develop Sunday as temperatures rise and heavy snow or rain weighs down weak layers in the snowpack. Large natural and human-triggered avalanches will be likely. Avoid all avalanche terrain including lower angle slopes where avalanches may reach from above.

Heavy precipitation, strong winds, and rising temperatures falling on a cold, layered snowpack are the perfect recipe for natural and human-triggered avalanches. Naturally occurring wind slabs and cornice failures will be likely at upper elevations. At middle elevations, heavy snow will result in large storm slab avalanches while lower elevations may experience wet avalanches triggered by rain. Sunday is not the day to test your luck in avalanche terrain. If you do travel in the mountains, choose slopes under 30 degrees and stay clear of any location that an avalanche could reach from above.

The threat of very large avalanches running on deeper persistent weak layers still exists. The natural avalanche cycle we are expecting to occur within the upper snowpack may be the type of trigger that can initiate one of these powerful and destructive deep avalanches that have so far remained dormant.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.