Backcountry travelers have the potential to trigger pockets of wind slab above 9000 feet. These slabs were formed by strong winds from varying directions over recent days. If triggered, these slabs could bury someone in a terrain trap or carry someone through hazardous terrain given the early season conditions. At mid elevations avalanches are unlikely except for small isolated events and low elevations remain safe to avalanche hazard given low snow depths.
Soft slabs with depths to two feet could be triggered in steep wind loaded terrain features at the higher elevations. These slabs were formed by recent winds from the southwest that became stronger and veered to the north for the last two days. These slabs will increase in sensitivity as the day warms.
High pressure is to continue, and moderate inversion conditions are to develop. Expect morning temps near ten degrees at high elevations and near zero degrees in the valleys. Highs should be in the upper twenties at all elevations. Northwest winds are to have averages near twenty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet where pockets of wind slab could be human triggered to depths of two feet in wind loaded terrain features near ridge crests and peaks. Between 9000 and 7500 feet, shallow isolated pockets could be found and below 7500 feet avalanches are not expected in the shallow early season snowpack.
