The chance continues for backcountry riders and skiers to trigger slab avalanches to three foot depths in steep avalanche terrain. Avalanches below 7500 feet are unlikely.
Above 7,500 feet, persistent slabs lie upon weak, faceted snow and sun crusts formed during the January dry period. There is a high degree of spatial variability associated with these weak layers, which makes them difficult to predict. Careful evaluation of terrain is required. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, avalanche prone terrain with depths up to three feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly cloudy skies and a chance for light, scattered snow showers tonight and into Sunday. Cloud cover will decrease Sunday afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits rising into the low teens during the day. Northeasterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Sunday. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep, avalanche prone terrain could trigger slides up to four feet deep. These slabs lie upon weak, faceted snow and sun crusts formed during the January dry period. There is a high degree of spatial variability associated with these weak layers, which makes them difficult to predict. In some areas the new snow is bonding well to the January surfaces, but that is not the case everywhere. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully, and identify features of concern.
