Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger persistent slabs as well as newly forming shallow soft slabs in steep avalanche terrain. Total slab depths could reach three feet.
Persistent slabs to three feet in depth lie upon weak faceted snow. Riders and skiers could trigger these slabs in steep terrain above 7500 feet today on a variety of aspects and elevations.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A storm system that is dropping from the northwest is to bring snow to the area overnight through Saturday afternoon. The mountains could receive approximately six inches overnight with an additional four to six expected during the day. Strong southwest winds with averages of 25-30 miles per hour are to accompany this snowfall before they become westerly and diminish in the afternoon. Temperatures are to remain cold with mountain highs in the mid to upper teens expected.The general avalanche hazard is to increase to Considerable during the day tomorrow as significant snowfall and associated strong winds raise the avalanche hazard. Riders and skiers will have the potential to trigger new soft wind slabs as well as have the potential to trigger deeper persistent slabs that lie upon old weak snow surfaces. Total depths could reach to over three feet, particularly in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area where the persistent slab problem is the most widespread.
