The snowpack is generally stable and avalanche activity is unlikely, with the exception of steep wind loaded slopes at the upper elevations. Overnight, ridgetop winds were sustained in the upper teens and twenties with gusts in the thirties, and light density snow has been transported onto leeward slopes forming shallow wind slabs. It will be possible to trigger these small avalanches today above 9,000 feet, and backcountry travelers should be aware of exposure and terrain traps where small slides could have higher consequences. Above the forecasted area of 10,500 feet, the avalanche hazard may be heightened as winds slabs could be larger in size and more sensitive to triggers.
Along high ridges, wind slabs less than a foot in depth could be triggered and will be more sensitive while slopes are being actively loaded. To avoid this problem, stay off of steep terrain that has received recent wind loading.
More dry weather is on tap for tomorrow. Temperatures will drop into the single digits in the mountains and below zero in the valleys as an inversion builds overnight. The inversion will break down in the afternoon as valleys climb into the low thirties and at 10,000 feet into the mid-twenties. Cloud cover is expected to increase to partly cloudy by the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will be 10 to 20 mph.The snowpack is mostly stable and the general avalanche hazard for all three forecast areas will be Low tomorrow. Avalanche activity will be isolated to small slides on steep terrain. Above 9,000 feet, shallow wind slabs along high ridges could become problematic on slopes with consequences. The intense solar radiation could destabilize the snow’s surfaces and result in small loose snow slides on steep slopes during the warmest periods of the day. Backcountry travelers should monitor for changing conditions with the warming trend that will occur over the next few days.
