At the higher elevations, skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs when venturing into very steep, avalanche-prone terrain that has been recently wind loaded. Cloud cover should mitigate the effect of the sun. However, if extended periods of sunshine occur, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase on sunlit aspects, along with the chance for shallow wet loose sluffs. Monitor the sun’s impact on snow surfaces, and avoid steep avalanche terrain that has signs of recent wind loading. The springtime snowpack at the lower elevations is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Strong westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds late in the week stiffened recently developed wind slabs and added to their depth on leeward aspects. Above 8,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger these wind slabs to depths of two feet in very steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. Winds became less pronounced with a drop in elevation, and the likelihood of triggering these slabs decreases accordingly.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect cloud cover to increase overnight and light snow showers to break out later in the day on Saturday as a Pacific trough moves towards the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid teens before rising into the mid to upper 20s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Saturday. Strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds on Wednesday and Thursday stiffened recently developed wind slabs and added to their depth on leeward aspects. In the higher elevations, skiers and riders could trigger these wind slabs to depths of two feet in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. Winds became less pronounced with a drop in elevation, and the likelihood of triggering these slabs decreases accordingly. To avoid this threat, stay off of steep, avalanche-prone slopes with obvious signs of wind loading. At the lower elevations, avalanches will be unlikely.
