Above 8000 feet, recent heavy snow and wind have formed slabs in avalanche starting zones that could be triggered today with depths to two feet. Backcountry riders and skiers should look to identify and avoid features of concern where this hazard may be present. Deep slab avalanches also continue to be an unlikely but possible threat for snowmobilers who climb steep avalanche prone slopes. The chance for wet slides could develop today as temperatures warm, particularly in areas that receive prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
Wind and new snow have formed slabs in avalanche terrain above 8000 feet. These slabs will be could be triggered with depths of one to two feet in steep avalanche starting zones. These slabs could release as soft slabs in higher terrain or have characteristics of wet slabs at elevations closer to 8000 feet. Rising temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs today.
Although the likelihood of triggering a deep hard slab avalanche is low, the consequences remain severe. These dangerous hard slab avalanches could be three to five feet deep and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmachine. Previous tracks may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The chance for snow is to return to the high elevations by morning and continue through Saturday. Temperatures are to be slightly cooler with mountain highs in the mid-twenties. Accumulations of two to five inches are predicted. At the lower elevations overnight freezing will be followed by temperatures warming into the upper thirties.The general avalanche hazard will be Considerable above 7500 feet. Slabs to three feet could be triggered in very steep terrain. This hazard will increase as warming occurs, particularly if that warming is accelerated by periods of sunshine. Wet loose slides may also become possible. Below 7500 feet the hazard will be low in the morning and increase to moderate in the afternoon as the snow surface quickly softens and weakens.
