The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 8,000 feet and MODERATE below that elevation. The recent storm brought in significant moisture to the region. Strong winds accompanied the storm, depositing wind slabs in higher elevation terrain on a variety of aspects. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers today. At the lower elevations, rain and warm temperatures have resulted in the chance for wet slides.
Wind slabs with one to three foot depths lie upon lighter density snow, sun crusts and buried layers of faceted snow. These slabs could be hard or soft and could fail on a variety of aspects at the higher elevations. These slabs can be human triggered in steep avalanche terrain and could step down to the ground with depths to four feet on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet.
The chance for wet slides will continue to increase today as temperatures rise even higher. Beware of road cuts and other very steep terrain.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Thanksgiving day looks to be partly to mostly cloudy, dry and warm. Temperatures could reach above freezing temperatures at 10,000 feet while valleys warm into the forties.The general avalanche forecast is expected to be Considerable above 9000 feet and Moderate below that elevation. At the higher elevations, wind slabs to three feet depth could be triggered in steep avalanche terrain. Although these slabs have gained strength quickly, the potential remains for human triggered large and dangerous hard slabs. At lower elevations, the potential for wet slides will increase in the afternoon as the snowpack is weakened by warm temperatures.
