Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger pockets of soft slabs above 7500 feet today. These slabs were formed by southwest to northwest winds and are most prevalent in very steep wind loaded terrain. Also at those mid and high elevations, the possibility persists for backcountry travelers to trigger deeper slabs that formed during the mid-January storm cycle. If triggered a very slight chance remains for those slabs to step down to deeper weak layers. Avalanches below 7500 feet are unlikely. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation is essential today.
Persistent slabs lie upon a variety of snow surfaces that developed during the dry period between Christmas and early January. These slabs could have depths to three feet and could be triggered by the weight of a single person. They will become more sensitive this afternoon as they are weakened by warming temperatures and periods of sunlight.
Skiers and riders could trigger recently developed soft wind slabs six to eighteen inches deep in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain above 7,500 feet. These slabs will also increase in sensitivity today.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Dry conditions and mostly clear conditions are expected on Thursday. Temperatures are to rise into the upper twenties and winds are to be light. Avalanche conditions are to be Moderate. Persistent weaknesses continue to pose a threat to backcountry travelers and could release to depths of three feet. These slides are becoming unlikely to trigger which makes the few slopes still prone to failure hard to predict. Additional hazard exists in very steep terrain above 7500 feet that is prone to wind loading. In these loaded areas the chance to trigger small slides continues.
