The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. Pockets of new wind slab and denser older slabs could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain, especially by larger triggers such as snowmachines. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where the general avalanche hazard is LOW.
Northwest winds have formed pockets of soft surface slab in steep wind loaded terrain up to one foot deep. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by skiers or riders in steep wind loaded terrain and could step down to deeper layers.
Weak faceted snow persists in the snowpack. Where consolidated snow lies upon these weaknesses, avalanches can be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers. These slabs could be be one to three feet in depth and are likely to be large on north facing slopes above an elevation of 9,000 feet where weak faceted snow persist near the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will remain cloudy and the northwest flow will continue to bring periods of light snowfall to the mountains. At the upper elevations a couple of inches of new snow are possible overnight and several inches are likely during the day. Daytime temperatures will rise into the teens and 20s. Winds will be west to northwest at 15 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts.Pockets of soft surface slab up to 18 inches in depth will be sensitive to human triggers in areas with fresh deposits of wind-blown snow. The snowpack beneath the new snow has a variety of weak layers of faceted snow. At the mid and upper elevations humans, especially those on snowmobiles, could trigger dense slab avalanches one to three feet deep on these weak layers. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW at the lower elevations.
