The avalanche hazard is Moderate above 9,000 feet, and the potential exists for skiers and riders to trigger small wind slab avalanches on steep terrain features. These shallow wind slabs could have high consequences in serious terrain or above terrain traps. Below 9,000 feet, avalanche activity will be unlikely and isolated to small pockets on steep slopes. Although snowfall amounts are expected to be on the light side, backcountry travelers should still monitor the storm’s arrival and changing conditions.
Recent winds have formed wind slabs at the upper elevations. These avalanches are expected to be small in volume with slabs less than a foot in depth. Below the new snow are firm crusts, which could cause these avalanches to entrain snow and run long distances. Backcountry travelers should look for signs of wind loading to determine the stability of a slope.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A quick moving system will bring pacific moisture to the region Sunday morning. By the end of tomorrow, there could be 4 to 8 inches of accumulation in the mountains and a few inches in the valleys. Temperatures at 10,000 feet will be in the low twenties and valleys will warm to the freezing level. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will continue to be the upper teens with gusts into the twenties. Recent wind and snow have formed wind slabs above 9,000 feet, and additional loading from tomorrow’s snowfall will continue to build these slabs. Skiers and riders could trigger small soft slab avalanches, up to a foot in depth, at the upper elevations on steep leeward slopes. Due to the underlying crusts, these small avalanches could entrain snow and run longer distances on steep sustained slopes. Below 9,000 feet, avalanche activity will be unlikely and isolated to small pockets on steep terrain.
