Moderate hazard is not a green light. While the likelihood of triggering large, dangerous hard slab avalanches has decreased above 7,500 feet, the consequences remain high. These slides could still be triggered by the weight of a single skier or rider if they hit a particularly weak or shallow part of the snowpack. These slabs are more susceptible to failure by large groups of backcountry travelers. Incorporate a wide margin of safety in managing this hazard, and stick to slopes that are not prone to avalanche activity. Avalanches are unlikely below 7,500 feet.
The possibility for backcountry travelers to trigger persistent slab avalanches continues. These slabs, with depths up to four feet, lie upon deeply buried layers of faceted snow that persist on all aspects above 7,500 feet. Persistent slabs are challenging to manage and can last for long periods of time. Do not let previous tracks lull you into complacency; they are not an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Split flow and high pressure will keep skies mostly clear on Saturday. Temperature inversions will strengthen overnight with valley lows around 20 degrees below zero. Nighttime temperatures in the mountains will be in the single digits before climbing into the upper teens during the day. Easterly ridgetop winds will veer to the south at 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Saturday. Moderate hazard is not a green light. While the likelihood of triggering large, dangerous hard slab avalanches has decreased, the consequences remain high. These slides could still be triggered by the weight of a single skier or rider if they hit a particularly weak or shallow part of the snowpack. These slabs are even more susceptible to failure by larger triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of skiers. If mountain temperatures are higher than forecasted, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase as the day warms. Remember, persistent weak layers demand conservative decision making and a wide margin of safety.
