Snow throughout the week has formed soft slabs in wind loaded areas. These slabs could be easily triggered today by backcountry enthusiasts. Addition hazard exists in the form of older harder slabs that lie on persistently weak snow near the base of the snowpack. These deeper instabilities could still be triggered by a single rider or skier or by one of the smaller wind slab avalanches once it is initiated. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
At the upper elevations several days of southwest to northwest winds have created areas of surface slab. These slabs could have depths of one to two feet. These slabs could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas.
Hard slabs, with depths to four feet, lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow on a variety of aspects. A snowmobile, the weight of a single skier or the release of wind slab could trigger one of these hard slabs. Previous tracks and the lack of recent avalanche activity are not indications of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall is to diminish this evening with another storm expected to bring additional snowfall by mid-morning. Four to eight inches could fall by Friday evening. Winds are to be Westerly with fifteen to twenty five mile per hour averages. Temps should rise during the day from the single digits to the upper teens. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable above 9000 feet, Moderate between 7500 feet and 9000 feet and Low below 7500 feet. Wind slabs lie at high elevations and could be triggered in steep terrain with depths from one to three feet. Once initiated they could release deeper instabilities to fail near the ground. A remote chance also lingers for backcountry travelers to trigger these deep instabilities that would likely carry severe consequences. The timing and intensity of this next storm may affect these predicted ratings and it is recommended to check the morning bulletin for updated information.
