The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the upper elevations dense wind slabs could be human triggered in steep terrain. High marking in terrain that is capable of producing large avalanches is not recommended. Helping companions who get their sleds stuck is also not recommended on suspect slopes.
At the upper elevations dense wind slabs up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep terrain. These slabs were formed two days ago by west-southwest to west winds.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light, scattered snow showers will continue overnight and through Thursday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low to mid 20s before rising to near 30 during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.In steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger pockets of recently developed, dense surface slabs with depths of one to two feet. While unlikely, skier and riders might also be able to trigger hard slabs failing on faceted snow from October in very steep, northerly terrain above 9,000 feet.
