At the mid and high elevations, the chance continues for skiers or riders to trigger avalanches involving weak snow layers that were buried in December. Failure of these layers could require larger triggers such as groups of people or snow machines, however, failure could still occur by a single person if a particular weak spot on a slope is hit. Along ridge lines and peaks, smaller wind slabs involving new or recently fallen snow could also be triggered. Avalanches below 7500 feet are unlikely. Safe travel in these conditions requires careful snowpack and terrain evaluation.
Dangerous deep slab avalanches continue to be a hazard on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs could propagate long distances, have depths to four feet and could carry severe consequences to anyone involved.
Light snowfall is to develop overnight, become moderate Friday morning, and continue through the afternoon and evening. Brief periods of heavy snowfall are possible. Temperatures are to be warmer with mountain highs in the upper twenties. West winds are to have twenty to thirty miles per hour averages. Four to six inches of snow is expected by nightfall. Less snow is expected in the valleys where temperatures could reach the mid thirties.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 7500 feet and low below that elevation. Although the sensitivity has decreased, the chance continues for backcountry enthusiasts to trigger large avalanches involving persistent weak snow layers buried in December. As new snow accumulates throughout the day, the sensitivity of the persistent hazard will increase and new shallow wind slabs will develop along ridge crests and nearby cliff areas.
