The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. Skiers and riders could trigger slabs that lie upon a weak persistent layer at the base of the snowpack with depths up to three feet or recently developed wind slabs with depth to eighteen inches. Once initiated, these surface slabs could cause failure of the basal layer. Avalanches below 9000 feet are not expected today.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These dense slabs, up to three feet in depth, could be triggered by skiers and riders today. Caution is advised as these slopes may failure even after they have seen significant traffic.
Winds from varying directions have formed soft surface slabs in steep exposed terrain. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slides today. Avoid areas of obvious wind loading.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A forming ridge of high pressure will result in temperatures that could be below zero at all elevations in the morning with highs building into the mid twenties in the afternoon as inversion conditions start to develop. The avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9000 feet in all forecast areas. The potential exists to trigger surface wind slabs on a variety of aspects with depths that could reach two feet. In north facing terrain the chance continues to trigger larger full depth avalanches on a persistent layer of weak snow that lies at the base of the snowpack. Below 9000 feet the avalanche hazard is expected to be Low.
