Reported Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 5:20 AM

Weather Forecast

Today:
Sunny in the morning with increasing clouds. Winds will increase from the Southwest 10-20 mph and highs will hit the mid 40's.

Tonight:
Cloudy with light snow beginning T-2" possible. Southwest winds gusting into the 30's and low temperatures in the upper 20's.

Tomorrow:
Snow with 5-7" and rain possible at lower elevations. Gusty winds will continue from the Southwest 15-25 mph and highs will be in the mid 30's.

Weather Outlook

Today will be another sunny warm one before things change back to winter tonight. We are looking at a storm moving our way on a Southwest flow which looks to give us a good amount of snow on Thursday and Thursday night when a cold front will drop down and cool things off. Watch for increasing winds through today and tomorrow, as well as the possibility for rain down valley on Thursday.

Danger Rating

Elevated Caution

MODERATE (Level 2) danger remains on North through East aspects near and above treeline. The danger will rise to MODERATE (Level 2) below treeline on South through West belwo treeline this afternoon. Otherwise the danger is LOW (Level 1).

Avalanche Problem #1

Wind Slab  
Low
LIKELIHOOD OF TRIGGERING
 
Medium
AVALANCHE SIZE
 
Decreasing Danger
Trend

Shallow wind slabs could be released on steep terrain near and above treeline on North through East slopes.

Avalanche Problem #2

Wet Avalanche  
Moderate
LIKELIHOOD OF TRIGGERING
 
Smaller
AVALANCHE SIZE
 
Decreasing Danger
Trend

Warm afternoon temperatures may trigger wet avalanches today. Strong winds should help to keep this in check, but protected areas below treeline may become a problem as the day goes on.

In the Backcountry

Our current snowpack is mostly stable. Warm days and nights have helped to mitigate the likelihood of triggering an avalanche. Some wind slabs still remain at higher elevations from previous storms and persistent weak layers could still pose a threat in some areas as well. These are becoming harder to trigger, but could release a sizable avalanche if the right spot is found. Warm air and sun will warm the snowpack bringing the possibility of wet loose avalanches this afternoon.

Travel Advisory

Although warm weather is keeping the avalanche danger at bay, triggered avalanches still remain possible in some areas. Don't let your guard down just yet! With snow in the forecast combined with strong winds, we will likely be back into winter avalanche conditions here shortly.

Reported by: Steve