This advisory has been updated to include a report that a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the upper portion of the Sheep Creek drainage east of Palisades Reservoir yesterday afternoon. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. Weak layers of faceted snow that formed in December and January are still a concern on steep avalanche prone slopes above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Dangerous hard slab avalanches could still be triggered by snowmobilers or skiers on these persistent weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Large to very large deep slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders with depths to five feet on deeply buried persistent weak layers. The consequences of triggering one of these slabs are likely to be severe.
Isolated pockets of slab formed by west to southwest winds could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These slabs could be up to two feet in depth. Even a small slab can be a hazard if it is triggered above a cliff, a terrain trap or in a very steep chute or couloir.
Skies will continue to be partly to mostly cloudy with some areas of very light snowfall. Temperatures will be in the single digits above and below zero. Winds will be from the south to southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.Weak layers of faceted snow that formed in December and January are still a concern in steep avalanche prone terrain above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Dangerous hard slab avalanches with depths to five feet can be triggered by snowmobilers or skiers on these persistent weak layers. This type of hazard is best managed by conservative terrain choices. The general avalanche hazard is forecast to be MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation.
