Strong winds and heavy snowfall will create very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanche activity is likely at the higher elevations and possible at the mid elevations. Large to very large destructive avalanches could run long distances, possibly into lower elevation avalanche run out zones. Human triggered avalanches are very likely at the mid and upper elevations and possible at the lower elevations. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high avalanche hazard. Nine people have died in avalanches in the United States since February 1.
Strong west-southwest winds will be rapidly loading avalanche starting zones and could trigger the release of large natural avalanche events. These dangerous slab avalanches could be one to four feet deep. Once released they could dig down to buried weak layers and become very large and run full path into lower elevation run out zones.
At the mid and upper elevations very large persistent slab avalanches with depths from 3 to 6 feet could release naturally or be human triggered on a variety of aspects. If triggered these destructive slides could run full path into lower elevation avalanche run out zones. At the lower elevations smaller persistent slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be human triggered on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes.
A lull is the snowfall is expected overnight. Lingering snow showers are likely. Another round of moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast to begin on Saturday afternoon and continue into Sunday. This next system may bring 8 to 12 inches of new snow to a wide area of our forecast region. Summit winds are currently from the west at 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts into the 50’s and are forecast to be 15 to 30 with gusts in the 40’s and increase tomorrow evening. Temperatures will be in the upper single digits and teens.Conditions will remain dangerous. Lots of new snow, buried persistent layers, strong ridge crest winds and the occurrence of large avalanche events tell us that. Currently the extend and size of today’s avalanche activity is not known. Large destructive avalanches that release naturally and run full path are a possibility tomorrow. Human triggered avalanches are likely and could be quite large. Avalanches that only involve the new snow could be several feet deep. Avalanches that dig down to deeper layers could be up to six feet deep. Excellent route-finding skills and conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. The general avalanche hazard rating is expected to be at least considerable and could be higher.
