Conditions are dangerous and serious avalanche accidents are possible. The snowpack is unstable above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Well developed weak layers of faceted snow persist above a hard crust. Large slab avalanches can be triggered by the weight of a single person or after a slope has been crossed by other riders or skiers. Expert terrain analyses skills, a strong understanding of the avalanche problem and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet except on isolated terrain features.
Unstable slabs that are two to four feet deep exist above an elevation of 7,500 feet. These slabs are likely to be human triggered on steep avalanche prone slopes that have not recently slid. Below that elevation, small pockets of soft slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in isolated areas. These small slabs could be a hazard above terrain traps.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Dry weather will continue with clear skies and temperature inversions. Winds will be northwesterly at 10 to 15 miles per hour.At the mid and upper elevations our snowpack is unstable and sensitive to the weight of a single person. Conditions are dangerous. Serious avalanche accidents are likely. Human triggered slab avalanches are likely on steep, avalanche prone slopes that have not already slid. These slab avalanches will be large with depths to four feet. Expert terrain analyses skills, a strong understanding of the avalanche problem and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet except on isolated terrain features.
