The National Weather Service Forecasts-

TODAY...SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 48. LIGHT WINDS...BECOMING NORTHWEST 10 MPH IN THE AFTERNOON.

TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLEAR. LOWS AROUND 29. NORTH WIND 5 TO 15 MPH.

SATURDAY...SUNNY. HIGHS AROUND 49. SOUTHEAST WIND 5 TO 15 MPH.

With todays sun and diurnal fluctuation and mid day warming expect to see small avalanches around the region as this new snow from the last few days starts to come down off steep slopes. We will be peeling the layers off the snowpack onion today in steep open faces on south facing slopes.

Temperatures are cool this morning but as things warm up and sun takes affect expect to see activity begin. Look to see activity peak during the heat of the day.

Avalanches are not expected to be large and yet be cautious in steep avalanche terrain and choose your routes and exposure wisely.

Steep slopes -

those avalanche areas where large slab slides are most likely to start during conditions of high to extreme avalanche potential. In general, dangerous slabs most often occur on slopes in the 35 degree - 45 degree range. The upper limit of 45 degrees reflects the tendency of snow to sluff gradually off steep slopes. However, windpacked snow often accumulates on steeper terrain (45 degrees - 60 degrees) and here, too, slab slides may occur. In SE Alaska snow coming off the ocean also tends to stick on steeper slopes so be aware these steep areas clean off on warm days during the spring.

Also, slab avalanches can propagate from high angle slopes to slopes of less than 30 degrees, and loose snow avalanches that would otherwise be harmless may spill onto lower slope, triggering dangerous slab avalanches.