Recently developed wind slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded terrain above 8,000 feet. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and avoid exposed terrain with obvious wind affected snow. Below 8,000 feet, recent snowfall lies upon mostly bare ground and avalanches are unlikely.
The recent snowfall and strong westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds have created dense wind slabs above 8,000 feet. These slabs lie upon a variety of old snow surfaces, which include crusts, wind pack and faceted snow. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger these slabs to depths of six to 18 inches.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperatures will continue to fall overnight, and mountain temperatures will dip to near ten below zero before rising into the mid-teens during the day. Skies will be mostly clear overnight and during the day on Saturday. Ridgetop winds will back to the west and decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Saturday. The recent snowfall and strong ridgetop winds have created dense surface slabs at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs lie upon a variety of old snow surfaces, which include crusts, wind pack and faceted snow. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger these slabs to depths of twelve to 18 inches. At the lower elevations, recent snowfall lies upon mostly bare ground and avalanches are unlikely.
