Backcountry travelers have the potential to trigger avalanches in terrain above 9000 feet. Persistent slabs lie upon weak snow at the base of the snowpack in north facing terrain. These slabs could be triggered by skiers or riders today with depths to 40 inches. Surface slabs could also be triggered and once initiated have the potential to step down and cause failure on the basal layer. Avalanches are not expected below 9000 feet.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above 9,000 feet. These slabs could be human triggered today with depths to 40 inches. Caution is advised as tracks on a slope do not indicate stability.
Winds early in the week formed surface slabs above 9000 feet with depths to two feet. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slides in steep exposed terrain and areas of obvious wind loading should be avoided. These slabs could become temporarily more sensitive this afternoon as warming occurs.
Dry conditions under a high pressure ridge will continue. On Monday, skies will be mostly sunny with temperatures in the 20s and 30s. Winds will be light at 5 to 10 miles per hour form the northwest.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations. On north facing slopes above an elevation of 9,000 feet weak snow at the base of the snowpack and buried layers of surface hoar within the snowpack persist. Skiers or riders who venture into steep, northerly aspects at the upper elevations could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth on these persistent weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 9,000 feet where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
