New snow and southwest winds combined with recently fallen snow have continued to add load to a snowpack with a persistent weak layer at the upper elevations on east, north, and west aspects. Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger soft slab avalanches in these areas today. Early season conditions exist and backcountry travelers need to be aware of the consequences of being swept into terrain below them. On other aspects and at lower elevations, avalanche production is not possible due to a shallow early season snowpack. Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!
Weak faceted snow lies between recent snow and a very hard and slick snow layer formed during sustained rain in October. Soft slabs involving this layer could be triggered today with depths to 18 inches in steep terrain where the old snow layer is prevalent.
Mostly clear skies are expected on Friday. Slight inversion conditions and patchy morning fog is possible. Mountain high temperatures are to reach the upper twenties while valleys reach the mid-thirties.The general avalanche hazard will be Low above 9000 feet where isolated pockets of soft slab could be triggered to depths of 18 inches in areas where the hard October rain crust exists.
