Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger slab avalanches today. Soft slabs formed during January snowfall could slide in very steep, wind loaded terrain at all elevations. Above 7500 a slight chance may remain for failure of weak snow layers deep in the snowpack. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation followed by thoughtful decision making is essential today.
Recent snow and strong winds have formed soft slabs in the backcountry. These slabs lie on a variety of snow surfaces that developed during a dry period between Christmas and January 5th. Slab depths range from one foot at lower elevations to three feet at the higher elevations. These slabs could fail from the presence of a single person in very steep terrain that is prone to wind loading.
Above 7,500 feet, hard slabs with depths to six feet lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow. The last deep slab to be triggered on this layer was near commissary ridge on January 9th. Although activity on this layer is unlikely, if triggered, these slabs would carry severe consequences.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The thin ridge of high pressure will result in dry conditions through Saturday morning. The next system is to arrive Saturday and bring snow in the afternoon. Temperatures are to rise into the upper twenties. Southwest winds are to increase as snow develops to averages of 15-25 mph. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Recently formed slabs could be triggered in steep wind loaded terrain to depths of three feet at the higher elevations. A very slight chance also continues for failure near the base of the snowpack. If triggered, these deep slabs would result in large, dangerous hard slab avalanches.
