At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches in steep, wind loaded terrain. On northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, these surface slabs could step down and release deep persistent slabs failing near the ground. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or big groups, may be needed to directly trigger these deep persistent slabs. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
At the upper elevations pockets of wind slab up to 30 inches in depth could be triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. At the mid elevations isolated pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth could be triggered where recent wind loading has occurred in steep chutes, cliff areas and very steep avalanche starting zones.
Weak, faceted snow exists at the base of the snow pack on shaded aspects above 9,000 feet. On steep northerly aspects some potential remains for humans to trigger full depth hard slab avalanches on this persistent weak layer. Snowmobiles, are more likely to trigger one of these slabs. However, a skier or snowboarder may also be able to trigger one of these slabs by passing over a shallow weak point in the slab. Previous tracks should not be interpreted as a sign of stability.
Periods of light snowfall with accumulations of about an inch are possible overnight. On Sunday skies will be partly cloudy with some occasional snow flurries. Temperature will rise from lows near 10 degrees into the mid to upper 20s. Winds will be westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts at the summit level. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet deep persistent slabs remain a potential concern, especially for larger triggers such as snowmobiles. Pockets of wind slab one to two feet in depth formed by west and northwest winds also pose a threat to humans who venture into steep avalanche terrain at the upper elevations. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet and LOW below that elevation.
