Mostly stable snow exists below 9000 feet. At the upper elevations small pockets of wind slab could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Two skier triggered slides occurred yesterday in very steep terrain. Similar events are possible today. Note:The weather station server is experiencing technical difficulties and will hopefully be posting data soon.
Small pockets of slab up to eighteen inches in depth have been formed by recent snowfall and wind and lie upon older hard snow surfaces. These slabs could be human triggered in steep upper elevation avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These dense slabs will increase in size and sensitivity this afternoon as the next storm arrives with increased winds.
Snow shower activity is expected to continue overnight and through Friday morning before tapering off in the afternoon. Localized areas could see four to eight additional inches of snowfall. Temperatures are to rise into the mid twenties. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9000 feet where skiers or riders could trigger soft wind slabs to eighteen inch depths in steep wind loaded avalanche paths. Below 9000 feet the hazard is Low.
