Above 7500 feet, careful snowpack and terrain analysis is essential today to avoid the risks associated with avalanches that could be triggered by the weight of a single skier or rider. These avalanches could be large to very large, involving weak snow layers that were buried in December or smaller involving just recent snow along high elevation ridge lines and peaks. Although these slabs have become less sensitive to triggering, they continue to pose a serious threat to human life and demand respect. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet except in isolated areas. Yesterday a snowmobiler was caught and fully buried in an avalanche near Lookout Peak in the Wyoming Range. Initial reports say the person was uncovered in approximately ten minutes. His or her condition and other details are not known at this time.
Dangerous deep slab avalanches up to five feet in depth could be human triggered on a variety of aspects above an elevation of 7,500 feet. These slabs could fail due to the weight of a snowmobile or a single skier who encounters a shallow weak zone. These slabs could propagate and run long distances and are likely to carry severe consequences to anyone involved.
Dense wind slabs formed by strong west winds could be human triggered to depths of two feet. Once initiated, these slabs could pull out deeper layers, resulting in a large destructive deep slab avalanche.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light snow overnight are to be followed by more consistent snowfall on Thursday. Accumulations by evening of 3-6 inches are expected at the higher elevations. Winds are to be westerly with twenty to thirty miles per hour averages, causing periods of blowing and drifting snow. Temperatures are to remain in the low to mid-twenties.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. The likelihood of triggering deep slab avalanches on a variety of aspects and wind slabs on certain aspects at high elevations has diminished but still exists. Avalanches below 7500 feet are unlikely however hazard from above should be considered.
