Continued snowfall, very strong winds, and a two day warming trend have formed wind slabs above 8000 feet. These slabs will be sensitive to backcountry skiers and riders today in steep leeward terrain and could release naturally at higher elevations from additional loading or from failing cornices that have grown considerably during recent days. Careful snowpack evaluation and and cautious route finding is essential today. Below 8000, avalanche activity is unlikely except for small wind slabs loaded on specific terrain features or from wet slides that could occur this afternoon in very steep terrain if sustained rains occur.
Dense wind slabs formed by west to southwest winds could be triggered by the weight of a single person. These slabs could be up to three feet deep. These slabs could release naturally and have potential to run large distances.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of heavy snow are expected tonight and through the day on Thursday. Strong winds from the southwest to west with twenty five to thirty five mile per hour averages are to accompany this snowfall. Over a foot of snow is expected by Friday evening. Temperatures are to continue to rise with higher elevations reaching near thirty degrees during the afternoon. Valleys will be above freezing and rain is expected there and on low elevation slopes. If forecast snowfall amounts occur, the general avalanche hazard will be High above 9000 feet where natural avalanche activity due to rapid loading and potential cornice failures will be likely. This activity will be in form of small to large wind slabs with depths to three feet that could be soft or hard. Between 7500 and 9000 feet the avalanche hazard will be considerable where humans will be able to easily trigger slabs to eighteen inches in some terrain. Below 7500 feet the hazard will be Low to Moderate where rain may provide a chance for some wet slide activity.
