The possibility for human triggered large to very large avalanches continues at the mid and upper elevations today. Although these slabs have become less likely to trigger they could still fail to larger loads such as groups of people or snow machines and some potential remains for failure to occur when a single person impacts a particularly thin and weak part of the snowpack. Deep snowpack evaluation is necessary to determine the extent of this weakness in specific areas. Conservative terrain choices are still recommended as the best way to avoid this avalanche concern. Avalanches are unlikely at the low elevations today.
Some potential continues for skiers or riders to trigger hard slab avalanches with depths of three to eight feet in steep avalanche paths. If triggered, avalanches could propagate long distances and are likely to result in serious injury or death. Remember that tracks on a slope are not an indication of stability.
Another mild and dry day is on tap for tomorrow. Overnight low temperatures will be in the high teens in the mountains and single digits in the valleys. Valley inversions will once again break up by tomorrow afternoon, with valley temperatures rising into the low thirties. Ridgetops will see a less dramatic change, albeit mild, with daytime highs reaching the low thirties. Winds will be out of the west at 15-20 mph. In line with the weather, the avalanche danger will remain the same. Terrain above 8,500 feet will have Moderate danger, where deeper weak layers lurk below hard slabs. It will be possible to move into terrain with this snowpack structure and not experience typical warning signs like whumpfing or shooting cracks. Large triggers such as a group or snowmobile or smaller triggers hitting thin spots will be the most likely scenarios for initiating an avalanche. Remember to practice good travel habits to minimize your exposure to deep slab avalanches. Ride or ski one at a time, utilize islands of safety and avoid stopping in runout zones. Avalanches will be unlikely in the lower elevations and the danger there will be Low.
