For the second night in a row, temperatures at 9000 feet have remained above freezing. This afternoon, highs in the mountains are to reach into the forties. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet. The sustained warm temperatures and recent rain have provided for the possibility for human triggered wet slab and wet loose avalanches to occur in cliff areas and on very steep slopes at the high and mid elevations. At low elevations, very shallow wet loose sloughs are possible on steep slopes that are snow covered.
Wet slabs 6-18 inches in depth are possible on very steep slopes on a variety of aspects above 7500 feet. In steep north facing terrain at higher elevations, the potential persists to trigger these slabs with depths to three feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Building high pressure now through Thursday will provide mild conditions for Thanksgiving. Temperatures are to reach highs near forty degrees at ten thousand feet while valleys reach well into the fifties. During the late afternoon ridgetop winds will increase with gusts to over 50 mph expected Thursday night. The avalanche danger for Thursday will be Moderate above 7500 where wet slab or wet loose avalanche activity could be human triggered in very steep terrain, particularly near cliff areas.
