Recent snowfall and strong winds have created wind slabs above 8000 feet. Pockets of these slabs could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers today in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain. Caution is advised, particularly near ridge crests, in steep chutes or around cliff areas where these slabs could carry someone over terrain with severe consequences. Evaluate terrain snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern. At lower elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely today.
Slabs formed by west to southwest winds could be human triggered today. These slabs could have depths to two feet at the higher elevations and are most likely to be found in very steep terrain that is prone to wind loading.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moisture is to decrease overnight and partly to mostly clear skies are expected on Thursday. One to two inches of additional snowfall could occur this evening. Temperatures are to be significantly warmer Thursday with summits reaching into the low twenties and valleys reaching the low thirties. West winds are to have fifteen to thirty mile per hour averages.The general avalanche hazard is to be Moderate above 8000 feet. At those upper elevations, skier triggered soft slabs with depths to as much as two feet could be triggered in wind loaded terrain features. Below 8000 feet avalanches are less likely except for loose snow sloughing in very steep terrain.
