Areas of unstable snow persist at the upper elevations. Human triggered slab avalanches are possible today and will continue to be a hazard at the upper elevations (above an elevation of 9,000 feet) where a persistent weak layer in the snowpack lies upon a hard October rain crust. This weak basal layer is primarily found on northwest to northeast facing terrain. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation is essential today.
At the higher elevations pockets of soft slab up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs were formed by southwest to northwest winds and will fail on a weak layer of faceted snow that lies upon a hard crust.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Thursday looks to be similar to today in both temperatures and in the continued chances for occasional light snow and flurries. The avalanche hazard will remain considerable above 9000 feet where slabs to three feet in depth could be easily human in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain underlain by the October crust. The avalanche hazard below 9000 feet is Low.
