Dense slabs lie upon faceted snow and stout crusts, which formed in January. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger slides failing on these layers in very steep, avalanche-prone terrain above 7,500 feet.
Unseasonable warm temperatures over the past several days have weakened cornices on high elevation ridgelines Cornice falls could occur naturally or under the weight of a skier or rider.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will increase overnight and on Saturday ahead of a weak Pacific disturbance. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-20s before rising into the mid-30s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will veer to the northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Saturday. In isolated areas above 7,500 feet, some potential may remain for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent slabs up to two feet in depth. If skies remain mostly clear during the day, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase on sunlit aspects as the day warms.
