At the higher elevations pockets of wind slab could be human triggered today on a variety of aspects. These wind slabs will be deeper and more widespread on the east side of the divide and in the Union Pass area. In isolated areas at the upper elevations some potential may also persist for snowmobilers to trigger deep hard slabs in steep avalanche prone terrain. Abundant sunshine and warm temperatures will be increasing the avalanche hazard as the day progresses. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered on a variety of aspects in steep terrain at the upper elevations and in isolated areas at the mid elevations. The potential for humans to trigger these slabs will increase as the day warms.
At the upper elevations (above 9,000 feet) some potential may remain for snowmobilers to trigger hard slab avalanches with depths to four feet in steep, active avalanche paths.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The leading edge of a high pressure ridge will bring dryer and warmer conditions to the region. Skies should be mostly sunny on Friday. Winds will be light from the northwest at less than 10 miles per hour. Overnight lows are forecast to be in the mid to upper teens. Daytime highs will rise into the mid-30s in the mountains and into the mid-40s in the valleys.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations where pockets of wind slab and shallow loose snow avalanches could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where the hazard is anticipated to be LOW.
