The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. There, backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed surface slabs on a variety of aspects. Daytime warming will increase the likelihood of triggering these slides, particularly on sunlit slopes. During the heat of the day, wet loose sluffing of the new snow will also be possible in sunlit terrain, especially near rock outcroppings and cliff bands.
Around a foot of new snow since the beginning of the week, in conjunctions with moderate to strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds, has created surface slabs in leeward terrain. These slabs, with depths up to a foot, lie upon slick sliding surfaces and could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep avalanche terrain above 9,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will decrease during the day on Thursday as a ridge of high pressure moves into the region from the west. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 before rising into the mid-30s during the day. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.Skiers and riders could trigger pockets of recently developed surface slab up to a foot deep in steep, wind-loaded terrain on Thursday. As the day warms, these slabs will become more sensitive to human triggers. In steep, sunlit terrain, daytime warming will also bring the possibility of wet loose sluffs, particularly near rock outcroppings and cliff bands.
