At the low elevations, overnight temperatures barely dropped below freezing. These conditions have caused areas of the snowpack with faceted snow grains to become less stable, and below 7,500 feet in very steep, avalanche-prone terrain, isolated slabs 1 to 2 feet in depth may be human triggered. At the mid and upper elevations, deep persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. Although these slabs are becoming increasingly more stubborn, if they are triggered the consequences will be severe. These slabs will most likely be triggered by a larger load, like a snow machine, or when a thin spot in the slab is crossed. Backcountry travelers also may be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab on leeward slopes above 9,000 feet.
Persistent weak layers of faceted snow that formed during extended dry periods in November and December continue to be a significant threat to backcountry travelers. Above 7,500 feet, these slabs could be triggered with depths ranging from four to seven feet.
The upper elevation flow will continue to favor the higher elevations of the western portions of our forecast areas. Skies will remain mostly cloudy. Another 3 to 6 inches of new snow may accumulate in the favored locations by tomorrow evening. Less favored areas could receive 2 to 4 inches. A trace to an inch is likely in the valleys. Temperatures will be in the upper teens and 20s in the mountains and in the 20s and 30’s at the lower elevations. Winds will be from the west at 10 to 15 miles per hour with higher gusts.At the higher elevations small pockets of wind slab could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These small surface slabs could be 6 to 18 inches deep and could quickly become a significant hazard in steep chutes and cliff areas. Some potential continues for humans to trigger deep persistent slab avalanches. Although the likelihood for these dangerous slab avalanches to be human triggered continues to slowly decrease the consequences of triggering a slab avalanche 3 to 7 feet deep are still likely to be severe. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations except on isolated terrain features. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate above an elevation of 7,500 feet and low below that elevation.
