Deep Persistent Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Likely
- Größe
- 3
Buried layers of weak snow persist at all elevations. Slabs that lie upon these weaknesses could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers today. These slabs could have depths to six feet and could be hard, soft, or potentially wet in areas affected by rain. These slabs will be most sensitive at low elevations where heavy snow and rain have weakened a snowpack underlain by faceted snow. Steep slopes, road cuts and roof slides could release naturally today. Yesterday these deep weaknesses were involved in natural wet slides in the Hoback Canyon as well as in a large avalanche that was reported to have initiated at high elevations in the South Fork of Phillips Canyon. The chance for riders and skiers to trigger these slabs will increase rapidly this afternoon as new snow and potentially some rain arrives with the next system.Caution is strongly advised as several feet of snow over the last two weeks have raised the chances to trigger very large and dangerous avalanches.