Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger shallow soft surface slabs formed by recent winds to depths of six inches. Greater hazard lies in the continued possibility to trigger deeper soft to hard slabs that lie upon weak snow formed during cold dry periods early in the season. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation is essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. These layers formed during cold, dry periods and were buried on December 8th and January 5th. The weight of a single person could still cause failure of these weak layers creating an avalanche with a depth of one to four feet. Larger loads, such as groups of people or snowmachines, are more likely to trigger one of these events.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The first in a series of disturbances is to bring snow to the area tonight through Friday morning. This relatively weak system is to bring two to six inches of snow by noon. Following a brief respite, a stronger system is impact the area late Friday afternoon. Temperatures are to remain warm on Friday, with highs in the upper twenties at higher elevations in the afternoon. These warm temperatures could allow for rain in the valleys Friday afternoon. Winds are to average 20-30 mph from the southwest.The general avalanche hazard will Moderate above 7500 feet and Low below that elevation. New snow will slowly increase the size and sensitivity of existing wind slabs and create new shallow ones. The snow will also further load persistent weak layers that although unlikely to trigger may still fail to the presence of humans, particularly larger loads such as groups or snowmachines.
