If snowfall continues throughout the day, the general avalanche hazard could increase to moderate as shallow pockets of wind slab form in leeward terrain near upper elevation ridgelines. Skiers and riders could trigger these new slabs, along with shallow loose snow sluffs in very steep, wind loaded terrain. Monitor the buildup of these slabs and avoid very steep, avalanche prone slopes with obvious signs of wind loading, especially if these areas have high consequence terrain below. Under 9,000 feet, the chance for avalanche activity will quickly diminish with a drop in elevation.
As the day progresses, pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep could develop in leeward terrain above 9,000 feet if snowfall continues throughout the day. These slabs are forming upon a variety of old snow surfaces which include light density snow, near surface facets, surface hoar and crusts.
Flow aloft will veer to the north overnight as the low pressure system shifts eastward. Any lingering snowfall should dissipate by midnight, but partly to mostly cloudy skies will remain on Sunday. Nighttime lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the mid to upper teens during the day on Sunday. Northeasterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW on Sunday. Skiers and riders might be able to find an isolated pocket of shallow soft slab in very steep leeward terrain near high elevation ridgelines. Elsewhere, avalanche activity is unlikely.
