Spring wet avalanching is affected by a ton of factors relating to cloud cover, relative humidity, temperature, wind, albedo; the list goes on and on. You see the scales above. Mitigating factors to potentially limit today's wet activity include the southwest wind, occasional clouds and previous sun/temp damage. But for me, it's not enough. Today - owing to the warm overnight temps - the surface snow will thaw and become unstable much more quickly than yesterday. Natural and human triggered wet avalanche can again be expected in steep terrain on all but the steep northerly upper elevations. Much of the wet snow will be able to run fast and far on the underlying crusts and even potentially gouge into unconsolidated wet grains in the low elevation shady terrain.

Initial signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, initially small sluffs. Finding yourself boot-top or trenching in the wet snow? These are signs to seek colder aspects or low angle terrain.

Timing is key. If you're reading this, you're probably too late to be on any steepest, most sustained slopes that'll see direct sun and heating. Plan your descents and exits accordingly.

CORNICES will become more sensitive as they sag in the sweltering heat. These have become enormous this winter and destruction from cornice failure has been well observed and documented this week. INFO.

ROOF-ALANCHES are also expected with the sun and temperatures. PLEASE spread the word to other homeowners in the mountains. Roof-alanche fatalities have occurred in the West this year with many close calls.

GLIDE CRACKS ARE WIDENING. Avoid being under the widening glide cracks noted in upper Cardiff, Mill B, Broads, Stairs, and upper Porter Fork of BCC. Most of these are mid/upper elevation northeast facing.