Above 8000 feet, soft slabs that lie upon crusts and surface hoar will increase in size and sensitivity today as they are they are further loaded by new snowfall. Deep slab avalanches also continue to be a threat for snowmobilers who climb steep avalanche prone slopes. At lower elevations, avalanches are unlikely this morning although wet slide activity could become possible this afternoon as rain weakens the snowpack.
Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger soft slabs formed by current and recent snowfall. By later this afternoon, these slabs could have depths to two feet.
Although the likelihood of triggering a deep hard slab avalanche is low, the consequences remain severe. These dangerous hard slab avalanches could be three to five feet deep and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmachine. Previous tracks may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Following a chance for periods of light snowfall tonight, precipitation chances are to increase Thursday morning and continue into Friday morning. During the day, two to five inches could fall at upper elevations where high temperatures are to reach the upper twenties. At the lower elevations snow could change to rain as temperatures rise with the rain/snow line possible reaching 8000 feet.Additional snowfall will increase both the size and sensitivity of soft slabs that lie upon sun crusts and surface hoar. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 8000 feet where these sensitive slabs could have depths to two feet in the morning and possibly three feet during the afternoon. The avalanche hazard below 8000 is expected to be low with an unlikely chance for avalanche activity during the day.
