Areas of unstable snow exist. At the mid and upper elevations a buried layer of faceted snow that formed in November could still be a failure plane for large avalanches. Slab avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a single person on this persistent weak layer. Heavier triggers like snowmachines may be more likely to trigger one of these slides. A careful evaluation of snow and terrain is warranted. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person on steep slopes above an elevation of 8,000 feet. It could be possible for a person to trigger one of these slab avalanches on a slope that has tracks from previous skiers or snowmobilers.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The light snowfall to the south is forecast to end overnight. Other areas will experience clear skies. Temperatures will be inverted and very cold on Thursday morning. Daytime highs will rise into the teens. Winds will be light and variable.Areas of unstable snow persist on steep slopes. At the mid and upper elevations the buried layer of faceted snow that formed in November still has potential to be a failure plane for large avalanches. Slab avalanches up to 30 inches in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person on this persistent weak layer. Heavier triggers like snowmachines may be more likely to trigger one of these slabs. Avalanches are possible on slopes that have tracks. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
