Any avalanches on Friday will be small Wet Loose avalanches on sunny slopes at lower elevations. I will be giving Cornices a little extra space after a rainy Thursday, and with sun and warm temperatures in the forecast for Friday.
Cornices can always be dangerous. They are particularly dangerous when they are weakened by rain and warm temperatures like we had on Thursday. While the worst of this melting is likely behind us (as overnight lows dip below freezing), I will continue to give Cornices some extra space on Friday.
Wet Loose avalanches will be possible on South slopes at warmer low elevations. The forecast is for sunny skies and high temperatures that will climb above freezing for terrain at and below treeline.
A rainy morning Thursday wetted the snow surface throughout all but the highest elevation ski terrain. As the temperature dropped throughout the day a mix of rain and snow seemed to prevail with little accumulation. Below freezing temperatures overnight should bring an end to any potential melting from the rain, although Friday looks to be sunny and warm. I'm expecting a crust to exist on most slopes.
