The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. In north facing terrain, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slabs that lie upon a weak persistent layer at the base of the snowpack. Additionally, recently developed wind slabs with depth could also be triggered. Once initiated these surface slabs could cause failure of the basal layer. Avalanches below 9000 feet are not expected today.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These dense to hard slabs could have depths to three feet. Caution is advised as these slopes may fail even after they have seen significant traffic.
Winds from varying directions have formed soft surface slabs in high elevation, steep exposed terrain. These slabs could increase in sensitivity as warming occurs today, have depths to twelve inches, and once triggered have the potential to release the deeper weakness near the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure is to continue through the weekend and into next week. Morning temperatures near zero are expected and could be colder in the valleys as inversion conditions continue to establish. Morning fog is likely. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Above 9000 feet in north facing terrain, weak snow at the base of the snowpack remains a hazard. Even after being skied or crossed failure could occur resulting in full depth slides that could have crowns to 40 inches. Additionally surface slabs formed by recent winds could be triggered in very steep wind loaded terrain on a variety of aspects. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely in the early season snowpack.
