At the upper elevation isolated pockets of wind slab pose a threat to humans who venture onto hanging snowfields, into cliff areas or other types of extreme terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and lower elevations.
At the upper elevation yesterdays strong north winds created isolated pockets of wind slab six to 18 inches in depth on leeward aspects. These shallow surface slabs could be triggered by the weight of one person. They are capable of knocking people over and sweeping them over cliff bands or down very steep slopes.
The high pressure ridge will continue to keep skies clear above areas of morning valley fog while a well established temperature gradient traps cold air in the valleys. Temperatures will drop well below zero in the valleys overnight. On Friday temperatures will rise into the mid 20s to low 30s in the mountains and into the teens in the valleys. Winds will be from the west at five miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW at all elevations. Some potential exists at the upper elevations for humans to trigger isolated pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep in very steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and upper elevations.
