The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. In north facing terrain above 9000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches with depths to three feet that lie upon persistent weak snow at the base of the snowpack. Backcountry travelers could also trigger wind slabs formed earlier in the week with depths up to 18 inches in steep, wind loaded terrain. Once initiated, these surface slabs could step down to the basal weak layer. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 9,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches on this layer with depths to three feet. The strength of this layer is hard to predict and failure may occur after a slope is crossed several times or from the initiation of a smaller surface slab.
At the upper elevations surface slabs up to 18 inches deep could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. On steep northerly aspects these slabs could step down to the persistent weak layer of faceted snow near the base of the snow pack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )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.
