In steep, avalanche terrain above 8,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger small to large dry slab avalanches, and the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase during the day as new snow accumulates and temperatures warm. If precipitation intensity remains strong through the day, Considerable hazard could develop in the afternoon. As the day progresses, warming temperatures and a rising rain line will also increase the likelihood of wet slides. Monitor daytime warming, and transition to cooler terrain before the old snow becomes unsupportable.
In steep, avalanche prone terrain above 8,500 feet, the chance for skiers and riders to trigger wind slabs one to two feet in depth will be on the increase as the day warms. Be wary of terrain where dry snow is transitioning to wet snow, especially in areas that were shaded during the heart of winter and are melting for the first time of the season.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect moderate to heavy mountain snowfall to develop overnight before snowfall intensity decreases during the day. The valleys should see a mix of snow and rain overnight before the rain line rises as the day progresses on Friday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near freezing in the afternoon, and the valleys will likely remain above freezing overnight. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range between 10 and 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Friday morning. If precipitation continues through the day, the hazard will be on the increase. At the higher end of this elevation band, skiers and riders could trigger wind slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. As the day progresses, warming temperatures and a rising rain line will increase the likelihood of these slides, and the possibility of wet slides will develop on very steep slopes that become saturated. Be wary of terrain where dry snow is transitioning to wet snow, especially in areas that are shaded during the heart of winter and melting for the first time of the season. Below 7,500 feet, the springtime snowpack is mostly stable, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely. However, be suspect of very steep terrain that is isothermal and unconsolidated.
