The possibility remains for backcountry users to trigger slab avalanches in steep shaded terrain where they are underlain by surface hoar and crusts formed in October. New snow and wind will further load and stress these slabs this afternoon as well as provide the possibility to trigger soft shallow surface slabs in areas where current snow surfaces are hard. Avalanches are not likely in the shallow snowpack at the mid and low elevations.
In isolated areas of steep shaded terrain, slabs to two foot depths lie on crusts and faceted snow. The chance for riders or skiers to trigger one these persistent slabs will increase as new snow adds additional stresses to the snowpack
Snow is expected tonight, with periods of snow to continue through Saturday. Temperatures are to be similar to today with the snow line likely reaching the valley floor overnight and then rising into the lower elevations on Saturday. Summit winds are to be Southwesterly with twenty to thirty mile per hour averages.The avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Saturday above 9000 feet. Slabs that currently lie upon hard crusts and faceted snow near the base of the snowpack will become more susceptible to failure as the new warm snow places additional loads on them. Backcountry travelers are most likely to trigger this type of activity in northerly facing terrain that is very steep and wind loaded.
