The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. In north facing terrain above 9000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slabs with depths to three feet that lie upon persistent weak snow at the base of the snowpack. Backcountry travelers could also trigger winds slabs formed earlier in the week with depths up to 12 inches in very steep, wind loaded terrain. Once initiated, these surface slabs could step down to the basal weak layer. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 9,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger avalanches on this layer with depths to three feet. The strength of this layer is hard to predict and failure may occur after a slope is crossed several times or from the initiation of a smaller surface slab.
Winds earlier in the week formed surface slabs to 12 inches in depth. These slabs are most likely to be found in steep exposed terrain near ridgelines. Avoid areas with obvious wind loading. The sensitivity of these slabs could temporarily increase today as warming occurs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure and inversion conditions are to continue. Morning lows are expected to be in the teens at high elevations and near zero in valleys where morning fog can be expected. Daytime highs are to reach into the thirties. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet. On north facing slopes weak snow at the base of the snowpack remains susceptible to failure. Smaller surface slabs could also be triggered on a variety of aspects and could step down to the deeper instabilities if triggered in steep north facing terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are not expected.
