Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger small to larger wind slabs above 7,500 feet. While less likely, the possibility remains for backcountry travelers to trigger large persistent slab avalanches. These deeper slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Below 7,500 skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep terrain.
In the middle of the week, strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds combined with new snowfall to produce wind slabs above 7,500 feet. These slabs reside above surface hoar, near surface facets and sun crusts. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs with depths up to a foot deep.
Faceted weak layers that formed during the November dry spell exist in the lower portion of the snowpack, and skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering slab avalanches up to three feet deep above 7,500 feet. This hazard is more of a concern in terrain with shallower snow depths. In these areas, temperature gradients have been stronger and the weak layers are more easily impacted. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, may also be more likely to initiate these persistent slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly cloudy skies and a chance for light, scattered snow showers on Saturday as a weak Pacific disturbance moves through the region. Temperature inversions will break down, and overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before rising into the mid-20s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Saturday. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger recently developed wind slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet. While less likely, the possibility remains for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent slab avalanches up to three feet deep. These deeper slabs could also step down from the release of a wind slab. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of soft slab in very steep terrain.
