The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above 7,500 feet, and MODERATE below 7,500 feet. Since Sunday evening, around two feet of new snow containing two and a half inches of water has fallen. Westerly ridgetop winds have accompanied this snowfall creating dense surface slabs. Skiers and riders are likely to trigger these large slides in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. As the day warms, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase, particularly on southerly aspects if extended periods of sunshine occur. Some potential may remain for these slabs to step down to a buried layer of surface hoar which formed in mid-January.
Recently formed surface slabs lie upon slick sun crusts and faceted snow. Above 7,500 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of 12 to 30 inches in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger similar slides, but with depths of six to 12 inches.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moist, northwest flow aloft will continue to bring light snowfall to the region overnight before high pressure begins to build into the area, and cloud cover decreases during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising into the mid-30s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Thursday. Skiers and riders could trigger recently developed surfaces slabs one to three feet deep in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. As the day warms, these slabs will become more susceptible to failure, particularly on southerly aspects if extended periods of sunshine occur.
