The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. In north facing terrain, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches that lie upon a weak persistent layer at the base of the snowpack. Additionally, surface slabs formed by recent winds could also be human triggered. Once initiated these surface slabs could cause failure of the basal layer. Avalanches below 9,000 feet are not expected today.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Dense slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a person on this persistent weak layer. Caution is advised as these slabs may fail even if they have been previously crossed by other people.
Earlier in the week, winds from varying directions have formed soft surface slabs in high elevation, steep exposed terrain. These slabs could increase in sensitivity as warming occurs today, have depths to twelve inches, and once triggered have the potential to release the deeper weakness near the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Dry conditions under a high pressure ridge will continue. On Monday, skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Winds will be light at 5 to 10 miles per hour form the northwest.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations. On north facing slopes above an elevation of 9,000 feet weak snow at the base of the snowpack and buried layers of surface hoar within the snowpack persist. Skiers or riders who venture into steep, northerly aspects at the upper elevations could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth on these persistent weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 9,000 feet where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
