Expected snowfall and southwest winds today will add weight to existing wind slabs that formed yesterday evening and earlier in the week when warm snowstorms deposited dense snow at the mid and upper elevations. These surface slabs lie over a weak snowpack comprised of faceted snow and crusts. By this afternoon the hazard will increase to Considerable as the size and liklihood of triggering these slides increases and natural activity becomes possible. At low elevations, the hazard remains low due to very shallow snow depths.
At the mid and upper elevations dense surface slabs formed by west to southwest winds lie upon persistent weak layers. These slabs could have depths to two feet this morning and could have greater depths this afternoon as new snowfall arrives. Conservative decision making is essential in this scenario.
A winter weather advisory is in effect thru 2am Friday. During that time periods of heavy snow and strong southwest winds are expected. On Friday periods of light snow showers could linger with highs in the twenties. The general avalanche hazard will continue to be Considerable. New snow will add further stress to a snowpack that is weak and avalanches could be easily triggered by backcountry riders and skiers with depths to three feet on Friday. As weak faceted snow lies on all aspects, any steep slope where new snow has deposited is suspect.
