The chance continues for backcountry riders and skiers to trigger deep persistent slabs at the mid and high elevations. If triggered, these dangerous slabs are likely to carry severe consequences. Careful terrain and snow pack evaluation is warranted. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Hard slabs with depths to five feet lie upon weak layers of snow near the base of the snowpack on all aspects. These slabs could fail to a larger load such as snowmachines and the chance continues for a single skier to trigger them by hitting a particularly weak shallow spot on a slope. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability.
Light, scattered flurries will remain possible at times on Saturday. Overnight temperatures in the mountains will be in the upper single digits before rising into the mid-teens during the day. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard will continue to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Saturday. There, the chance continues for backcountry travelers to trigger large, hard slab avalanches that lie upon deeply buried weak layers of faceted snow. Large triggers, such as groups of people or snowmobiles, may be necessary to cause failure of these basal facets. However, the chance continues for a single person to trigger one of these hard slabs, particularly in a shallow area where those weak layers are more easily affected. Avalanches are unlikely below 7,500 feet.
