Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Above 8000 feet, heavy snow and wind have formed slabs that could be easily triggered today with depths to two feet. Deep slab avalanches also continue to be a threat for snowmobilers who climb steep avalanche prone slopes. Wet slides are possible at the lower elevations, where temperatures have remained above freezing and significant rain has fallen. Careful snowpack evaluation and conservative decision making is essential today and route choices need to consider the high variability between low and high elevation hazards.
Wind and new snow have formed slabs in avalanche terrain above 8000 feet. These slabs will be sensitive today and could release with depths of one to two feet in steep avalanche starting zones. These slabs could release as soft slabs in higher terrain or have characteristics of wet slabs at elevations closer to 8000 feet. Rising temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs today.
Although the likelihood of triggering a deep hard slab avalanche is low, the consequences remain severe. These dangerous hard slab avalanches could be three to five feet deep and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmachine. Previous tracks may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Precipitation is to continue through the night as the system slowly tracks easterly. Four to six inches of snow is expected at the upper elevations by morning with the chance for periods of snowfall to continue through the day. The snow/rain level should drop to the valley floor overnight and then rise during the day as moisture diminishes. Daytime highs should reach the upper twenties to low thirties in the mountains and mid-forties in the valleys. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate above 8000 feet all day and could be rated as Considerable if overnight snowfall amounts are higher than expected. Slabs formed by recent snowfall will be sensitive in steep terrain and could be triggered as soft or wet slabs with depths to two feet. Below that elevation, the danger is expected to rise from Low to Moderate as warm temperatures break down surface crusts and further weaken the snowpack.
