Dangerous conditions exist above 9000 feet where the chance continues for persistent slab avalanches to be triggered by a single rider or skier. Wind slab avalanches could be also human triggered above 7500 feet. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decisions are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
At the upper elevations large slab avalanches with depths to three feet could be human triggered on northerly aspects. These large slabs will likely be hard, with crowns that break high up in the slide path although initiation may occur lower on the slope. Beware that a few tracks are not an indication of stability for this type of hazard.
Wind slabs formed by west-southwest to west-northwest winds could be human triggered at the mid and upper elevations with depths to two feet. These slabs could fail on density differences, sun crusts, or faceted snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Thursday morning looks to be mostly clear and cold. V temperatures near twenty below zero are expected with mountain top temperatures a few degrees warmer. Some fog and flurries are possible. Highs are to be in the teens as conditions warm slightly in advance on an oncoming weather system. This system should bring snowfall to the area during the afternoon or early evening hours. The general avalanche hazard will be Considerable above 9000 feet, Moderate from 7500 to 9000 feet and Low below 7500 feet. The potential continues for a single person to trigger dangerous slab avalanches with depths to five feet in steep terrain on certain aspects at the high elevations. Wind slabs with depths to two feet could also be triggered.
