There have been above freezing temperatures for over 72 hours at the mid and low elevations. The wet snowpack will be slow to cool today, and wet loose sluffs and wet slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes of all aspects at the low and mid elevations.
Wet loose sluffs will be easy to trigger on steep slopes anywhere the snow is wet or soggy. Stay on lower angle slopes at the mid and low elevations and avoid travel in and below run out zones. Snow is often extra warm and soggy near rocks or in shallower snowpack areas. Be especially alert for additional heating of the snow if the clouds thin, the wind stops blowing or it rains where you are.
Wet Slabs are the tricky ones - this is when water pools in deeper layers in the snowpack, hiding beneath shallowly frozen crusts. Signs to watch for - collapsing, punchy or bending crusts, or when you are breaking through the crusts. A wet slab can break loose when you think you’re on a supportable frozen snow. Again, avoid this wet snow problem by staying on lower angle slopes at the mid and low elevations.
Below is a 7 day temperature graph from the Sundance mid mountain weather station, 7,450'. ° F on the left axis, red line is 32° F.
Glide cracks become more active during prolonged heating, sending the whole season’s snowpack down slope. Avoid spending time below the yawning cracks.
Roof slides can occur at any time, especially with warming temperatures - always avoid travel beneath snow laden roofs and warn others.