Backcountry travelers have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in terrain above 9,000 feet. Persistent slabs lie upon weak snow at the base of the snowpack in north facing terrain and could be triggered by the weight of a single person. Surface slab avalanches could also be triggered, and once initiated have the potential to step down and cause failure on the basal weak layer. Avalanches are unlikely below 9,000 feet.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Dense slabs up to 40 inches in depth rest upon this week layer and could be triggered by skiers or riders on steep, avalanche prone slopes. Caution is advised and previous tracks on a slope are not an indication of stability.
At the upper elevations, recent winds have formed surface slabs one to two feet in depth. In some areas these, these slabs lie upon buried layers of surface hoar and could be triggered by backcountry travelers venturing into steep avalanche terrain. If one of these slabs is triggered on a steep northerly aspect, it could step down to the weak, faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. Avoid areas where the snowpack has a hollow, drum-like feel.
Expect increasing cloud cover as high pressure begins to break down. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising into the low 30s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Thursday above 9,000 feet. Weak, faceted snow persists near the base of the snowpack on shaded slopes above 9,000 feet. Backcountry travelers venturing into this terrain could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth on very steep slopes. Below 9,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
