New snow from this week’s storm along with winds from the northeast to the west have formed slabs over hard crusts at the highest elevations. Due to the atypical easterly wind direction, slopes that are often stripped may be loaded. Above 9,000 feet, it is possible for backcountry travelers to trigger small to large wind slab avalanches. As the day warms, these slabs will become more sensitive to triggers, especially on sunlit slopes. Below 9,000 feet, the avalanche hazard is low this morning but is expected to increase to moderate in the afternoon. Increasing temperatures and strong solar radiation will cause loose snow over hard crusts to quickly change from stable to unstable, and small loose, wet avalanches are expected on terrain steeper than 35 degrees. These slides could catch skier and riders by surprise and have severe consequences in complex avalanche terrain. At the lowest elevations, avalanche activity is not expected. Today, monitor conditions and as the snow surfaces become wet transition to shaded terrain. Evaluate terrain carefully and avoid unnecessary risks during the COVID-19 crisis. Extra caution is warranted, especially if you are traveling solo.
At the upper-elevations, humans could trigger wind slab avalanches formed by northeast to west winds. These slabs could be 2 feet deep. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase during the warmest periods of the day and on slopes with direct solar radiation. Avoid wind loaded features when the snow surfaces are melting.
Tomorrow’s skies are expected to be mostly sunny to partly cloudy with temperatures starting out about 10 degrees warmer than today. Mountain temperatures are forecasted to climb into the mid to upper 30s and valleys into the upper 40s. Westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will be light. Above 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate and backcountry travelers could trigger wind slab avalanches 12 to 18 inches deep on steep, wind loaded terrain. These slabs will increase in sensitivity on sunlit slopes and during the warmest periods of the day. Below 9,000 feet, small slab and loose snow avalanches may be found in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. This hazard will also increase with daily warming. As temperatures climb above freezing and dry snow becomes wet for the first time, loose snow avalanche will be possible, especially on steep terrain. Due to the hard crust underlying these surface slabs and loose snow, there is potential for wet slides to release easily and run long distances. Avoid being on or under steep terrain when snow surfaces become wet.
