Dangerous avalanche hazards exist in the backcountry. Slab avalanches lie upon weak persistent layers of faceted snow. These weak layers were loaded by storm snow and winds on Saturday and again yesterday. Multiple avalanches have been reported since Saturday. Some have released naturally, some have been triggered remotely and sympathetic releases have been observed. Human triggered avalanches are likely today. Natural avalanches are possible. These weak layers have been quite sensitive to human triggers between an elevation of 7,500 to 9,000 feet, however recent avalanche activity has been observed up to an elevation of 11,400 feet. Expert snow stability and terrain evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Slab avalanches are likely to be human triggered and could release naturally on a variety of aspects above an elevation of 7,000 feet. These slabs could be up to four feet deep at the upper elevations and are expected to be one to two feet deep below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Light snow will develop overnight and continue through the day. Accumulations of three to six inches are likely. Temperatures will be mostly in the teens. Winds will be westerly at 15 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts.Large slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders. Many slopes are unstable and waiting for human triggers. These slabs are two to five feet deep above an elevation of 8,000 feet and one to two feet deep below that elevation. These slabs are failing on persistent weak layers and could be triggered remotely, possible by another party. Seriously consider the consequences of your terrain choices. The full understanding of the severity and nature of this hazard is essential to your survival. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be rated as CONSIDERABLE. Most avalanche fatalities occur during periods of moderate or considerable hazard. The hazard associated with a persistent slab avalanche problem is the most likely to kill backcountry users. Current conditions are ripe for serious avalanche accidents.
