The general avalanche hazard will rise to MODERATE above 7,500 and will remain LOW below 7,500 feet. Sustained snowfall combined with strong southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase the avalanche hazard as the day progresses. New wind slabs will develop above 7,500 feet. This snowfall will also add weight to existing weak layers near the base of the snowpack. Monitor conditions closely and be willing to alter your plans in circumstances warrant.
Above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger newly developed wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. These slabs, which are forming on sun crusts and surface hoar, will become increasingly sensitive to human triggers as the day progresses and could reach depths of 12 inches by this evening.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snowpack in shaded terrain above 9,000 feet. Continued loading throughout the day will increase the likelihood of triggering these slides, either directly by skiers and riders or by stepping down from the failure of new wind slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service beginning midnight on Friday and continuing through Sunday morning. Snowfall is expected to begin late Friday night and intensify as the day progresses on Saturday. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 30 to 40 miles per hour by mid-day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising into the mid-20s in the afternoon.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW early Saturday morning, but will quickly increase to MODERATE as new snowfall and strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds combine to create unstable conditions. By Saturday afternoon, CONSIDERABLE avalanche hazard could exist. As new wind slabs build, they will become increasingly sensitive to human triggers. New snow will also add weight to existing weak layers near the base of the snowpack on shaded aspects at the higher elevations. Backcountry travelers venturing into avalanche terrain will need to monitor conditions closely and be willing to alter plans if circumstances warrant.
