Today will be a return to spring and along with a return to spring, a return of the wet snow avalanche problem. Winds calm down, skies are clear this morning and the full strength of late April sun is cooking the snow surface.
Damp or wet loose or slab avalanches will be more likely on steep slopes facing the sun. This type of instability can develop quickly today. So watch for the development of damp or wet surface snow layers on these aspects. Remember that surface snow sun balls and rollers often precedes loose snow avalanche activity. You can test for loose snow instability by pushing snow onto test slopes from a safe location. It is a good plan to avoid slopes below cliffs and gullies.
Wind slab avalanches are the main concern on steep high elevation north facing slopes. At the same time, wet avalanches will become the main concern this week. The snowpack will become warmer and wetter each day. Nights will warm up also and the overnight freeze will be shallow as the week progresses. Regardless of the avalanche problem, always look carefully for recent avalanches, wet or dry, as these are the number one sign of unstable snow.