Yesterday's strong west winds formed wind slabs on leeward slopes above 8,000 feet. These wind slab avalanches could be human triggered. The consequences of being caught in these slab avalanches will be higher in wide start zones at the upper elevations, along steep unsupported terrain features, and above terrain traps such as benches and gullies. Evaluate terrain carefully noting areas of loading and features of concern. At the lower elevations, small avalanches up to a foot in depth could be human triggered on isolated terrain features.
Slabs formed by strong winds can be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep terrain above 8,000 feet. As the winds have switch direction, from the southwest to west, cross-loaded slopes and newly formed wind slabs could be found on a variety of aspects. These slabs could be up to 18 inches in-depth. Be wary of wind drifted snow in terrain with consequences.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )As today’s weather system exists to the east, winds and snowfall will diminish overnight. Winds are expected to be southwest to west at 35 to 45 miles per hour in the mountains and 15 to 25 at the lower elevations. Light snowfall tomorrow is expected to range from 1 to 3 inches in the mountains before snowfall intensity increases Saturday evening. Temperatures will start in the single digits and climb into the teens and 20s in the mountains. Strong winds will continue to load leeward slopes above 8,000 feet. There, the avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate and winds slab avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded terrain. These slab avalanches could range in depth from 1 to 3 feet. If skier or riders are caught, these slab avalanches could be dangerous especially in exposed terrain or terrain traps, such as gullies and benches. Shooting cracks are indications wind slabs are forming, and when these signs are present avalanche terrain should be avoided. The general avalanche hazard below 8,000 feet is low, where small avalanches up to a foot in depth could be human triggered.
