From our friends at the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center:

Starting Friday afternoon, we have a series of warm days with a mix of sun and clouds. While we are unsure about the exact timing and certainty of wet snow avalanches impacting the Sourdough Trail, they should be on your radar Friday afternoon through the weekend.

Times of increased concern:

1. Times with above-freezing temperatures under sunny skies. Afternoons are most concerning. Morning and evening skis should be fine.

2. During precipitation events with liquid snow (aka rain).

Here's what to do:

1. Read the daily avalanche forecast for the most up-to-date conditions (www.mtavalanche.com).

2. Ski with a partner during periods of increased concern.

3. Small wet snow avalanches and cinnamon roll-like pinwheels of wet snow are early signs that the snowpack is becoming less stable. If you see small wet snow avalanches coming from cut banks or steep slopes above the trail and hitting the road, this is a sign that larger ones could follow. This is a good time to start heading back toward the trailhead (or ski in areas without steep slopes above you).

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Dave Zinn from the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center explains why some of the slopes in Sourdough are concerning this winter:

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