Persistent weak layers and poor snow structure continue to be a concern. At the higher elevations large slab avalanches could be triggered by humans on steep avalanche prone slopes. These slabs may be more sensitive to human triggers when a skier or rider hits a shallow weak spot and/or with larger triggers such as snowmobiles. Below an elevation of 8,000 feet small slab avalanches could be triggered by humans on isolated terrain features.
Above 8000 feet, large slab avalanches could be triggered on buried persistent weak snow layers with depths to three feet. At the lower elevations newer snow lies upon a snowpack is comprised of weak faceted snow. Slab avalanches to a foot in depth could be triggered on steep isolated terrain features.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Temperatures inversions and mostly clear skies will be the dominate weather features. Valleys locations will be well below zero by morning and rise into the single digits and teens during the day. Temperatures at 10,000 feet are forecast to fall into the upper single digits tonight and rise into the 20s on Thursday. Winds will back towards the west and may begin to increase. Persistent weak layers and poor snow structure continue to be a concern. At mid and upper elevations large slab avalanches one to three feet in depth could be triggered by humans on steep avalanche prone slopes. These slabs may be more sensitive to human triggers when a skier or rider hits a shallow weak spot and/or with larger triggers such as snowmobiles. In these areas the general avalanche hazard is forecast to be moderate. At the lower elevations (below an elevation of 7,500 feet) the general avalanche hazard is expected be low. Small surface slabs up to a foot in depth could be triggered on isolated terrain features.
