At the higer elevations skiers and riders could trigger surface slabs in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. These slides are most likely to be encountered near upper elevation ridgelines and beneath cornices where strong winds have transported recent snowfall onto leeward slopes. Large persistent deep slabs continue to be a threat in terrain above 9,000 feet that held snow from early October, especially for larger triggers like snow machines. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Steady southwest to west winds have continued to drift snow onto leeward aspects along the higher ridges. Pockets of wind slab one to two feet in depth could be triggered by humans who venture into steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas.
Backcountry travelers could impact weak, faceted snow near the base of the snowpack in very steep north facing terrain above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to cause failure of this basal weak layer, and previous tracks are not an indication of stability. Large destructive slab avalanches that fail on this deeply buried, persistent weak layer could exceed six feet in depth and are likely unsurvivable.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of snow will continue overnight and into the day with several inches of additional inches of new snow accumulation likely. Temperatures will remain in the single digits at all elevations. Winds are forecast to be west-southwesterly at 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the upper elevations pockets of wind slab with depths to two feet could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Deep persistent slabs with depths to six feet continue to be a potential hazard on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These very dangerous slabs are more likely to be triggered in areas in steep avalanche prone terrain where the snowpack is shallower and by larger triggers such as snow machines.
