Mountain temperatures are starting out a few degrees cooler than yesterday, but cloud cover still prevented significant radiation cooling. Up there, the threat of shallow wet slides could return on solar aspects in the afternoon if extended periods of sunshine occur. In lower elevation terrain, where temperatures remained above freezing overnight, wet slides will be possible throughout the day. Skiers and riders might also be able to trigger a shallow, isolated pocket of dry soft slab on very steep, north facing slopes above 9,000 feet. Get an early start, monitor the warmup and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant.
As the day warms, the likelihood for wet slides will be on the rise. Shallow wet loose sluffs involving the recent snowfall may become possible above 8,000 feet. Lower down, in terrain where the snowpack is close to being isothermal, wet slides could gouge down to the ground and possibly release as a wet slab. Any breaks in cloud cover will exacerbate this problem.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will remain mostly cloudy to overcast tonight and through the day on Saturday, and the chance for light mountain snow/valley rain will continue. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-20s before climbing to near 30 in the afternoon. Valley temperatures will drop to near freezing tonight before climbing into the mid-40s during the day. Ridgetop winds will veer to the west at 10 to 20 miles per hour.On Saturday, avalanche conditions will be similar to those on Friday. In the mountains, stout crusts are not expected to form, and the threat of shallow wet slides could increase the hazard to Moderate in the afternoon if extended periods of sunshine occur. Skiers and riders might also be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow soft slab in high elevation, northerly starting zones. Snow surfaces are not expected to freeze overnight at the lower elevations, and the hazard will remain Moderate. Down there, wet slides could gouge down to the ground and possibly release as a wet slab. Get an early start, monitor the warmup and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant.
