In the mountains, persistent slabs continue to pose a threat to backcountry travelers. The consequences of triggering one of these slabs is likely to be severe. Careful terrain and snow pack evaluation is warranted. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
Hard slabs that lie upon a persistent weak layer of faceted snow could be triggered by a snowmobile or by the weight of a single person. Shallow areas of the slab are the most likely trigger points. These avalanches could occur on a variety of aspects with depths from two to four feet. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Occasional light snow is possible overnight and Friday morning before tapering off Friday afternoon. Slightly colder air is also arriving with upper elevations expected to have highs in the upper teens to low twenties. Again light winds are expected. The avalanche danger is seeing little change which is typical when the avalanche concern involves a well developed and well distributed persistant weak layer. The hazard rating will be Moderate above 7500 feet where the chance continues for backcountry travelers to trigger hard slab avalanches that lie upon these deeply buried weaknesses. Larger triggers such as groups of people may be necessary to cause failure although the chance continues for a single person to trigger a slide, particularly in a shallow area where the weak layer is more easily affected. Avalanches are unlikely below 7500 although the structure is weak in those areas and may pose problems with future loading.
