Dangerous avalanche conditions exist above 7,500 feet, and human triggered avalanches are likely. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. With shallow snow depths and frozen conditions, avalanches are unlikely below 7,500 feet.
Persistent slabs with depths up to two feet lie upon weak, faceted snow. In many areas, this fragile snowpack is further complicated by crust layers. Backcountry travelers could easily trigger these slabs on a variety of aspects. These sensitive slabs could also release on approach and propagate long distances across terrain boundaries.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Saturday partly to mostly cloudy skies could provide for occasional flurries. Temperatures are to reach into the low twenties at mid mountain locations and winds are to be light. The general avalanche hazard is to remain Considerable. Although the slabs themselves are gaining some strength the persistent weak layers below them remain suspect to failure by skiers or riders hitting a weak spot in steep avalanche paths on all aspects. These conditions make it difficult in predicting which slopes could fail and provides conditions where these stiff slabs may break above the person who triggers it. Conservative decision making is essential.
