Above 9,000 feet, strong ridgetop winds have loaded high elevation starting zones, and backcountry travelers could trigger small to large wind slabs on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Remember, even small slides can have serious consequences in steep, exposed terrain. The emerging springtime snowpack is mostly stable below 9,000 feet. However, be on the lookout for very steep, wind-loaded terrain features in the upper portion of this elevation band.
Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds have transported available snow onto leeward slopes above 9,000 feet. Moderate to strong westerly ridgetop winds and new snow will continue to load starting zones, and skiers and riders could trigger wind slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind-loaded terrain.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northwesterly flow aloft will bring Pacific disturbances over the region tonight and through the day on Saturday producing periods of light to moderate intensity snowfall. Overnight lows in the mountains will drop to near 20 before rising into the upper 20s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 25 to 40 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet on Saturday. Strong ridgetop winds and snowfall will continue to load upper elevation starting zones, and backcountry travelers could trigger wind slabs up to two feet in depth on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Remember, even small slides have the potential to cause serious harm in steep, exposed terrain. Below 9,000 feet, the emerging springtime snowpack is mostly stable. However, be on the lookout for wind-loaded terrain features in very steep terrain in the upper portion of this elevation band.
