Dense, persistent slabs exist on a variety of aspects. These slides could be triggered by the first person on a slope or after a slope has been crossed multiple times.
Recently developed dense surface slabs, which were formed by southwesterly winds, lie upon buried layers of surface hoar. Backcountry travelers could trigger these persistent slabs with depths of one to two feet in steep avalanche terrain. In isolated areas, these slabs have some potential to step down to deeper layers of buried surface hoar with depths to three feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be mostly clear on Wednesday as high pressure builds into the area, and inverted temperatures develop. Overnight lows in the mountains will dip into the single digits with the valleys will being 5 to 10 degrees cooler. Daytime highs at all elevations will be in the mid to upper teens. Northerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.Recently developed, dense surface slabs lie upon well-developed surface hoar. These persistent slabs, with depths of one to two feet, could be triggered by skiers and riders on a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations. Some potential remains for backcountry travelers to trigger isolated pockets of shallow slab at the lower elevations in terrain that was above the rain/snow line. As the day warms, these slabs may become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects.
