The general avalanche hazard is LOW this morning as the snowpack is topped with hard crusts that were formed by below freezing overnight temperatures and clear skies. By this afternoon these surface crusts will break down, allowing the chance of wet slide activity and Moderate hazard. As sunlight and warming temperatures deeply penetrate the snowpack this afternoon, the liklihood of wet loose and wet slab activity will increase and the hazard will further raise to Considerable as natural events become possible. In these conditions, getting an early start and being out of the mountains before things become too soft and dangerous is recommended.
Wet loose avalanches are likely today on a variety of aspects in steep terrain at all elevations. These wet slides could be human triggered or release spontaneously and have potential to entrain snow to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothermal.
Wet slab avalanches are possible in steep terrain and could be human triggered or released naturally in response to warming temperatures.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperatures are to drop below freezing again overnight at all elevations before quickly warming to mostly sunny skies. Temperatures are to reach the forties at the higher elevations and well into the fifties at the low elevations. The general avalanche hazard will increase from low in the morning when snow surfaces are frozen to Considerable in the afternoon when the chance to trigger wet slides will exist at all elevations.
