At the higher elevations, skiers and riders could trigger surface slabs. While less likely, larger persistent slabs remain a threat to backcountry travelers. In addition to the possibility of being human triggered, these persistent slabs could also fail from the release of a surface slab. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet except on isolated terrain features.
At the higher elevations and on isolated terrain features at the lower elevations backcountry travelers could trigger stiff, surface slabs that are 6 to 18 inches deep. These slabs are most likely to fail on faceted snow that formed in early December.
Faceted weak layers that formed during the November dry spell exist in the lower portion of the snowpack, and skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering persistent slab avalanches up to three feet deep at the higher elevations. This hazard is more of a concern in terrain with shallower snow depths. Larger triggers, such as snowmobiles, may be more likely to initiate these persistent slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Conditions overnight and into the morning will be dominated by high pressure. A weak system will bring clouds to the region in the afternoon and a trace to a couple of inches of new snow to the mountains Monday night. Southwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 with gusts to 35 miles per hour ahead of this approaching disturbance. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s.At the mid and upper elevations the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Skiers and riders could trigger surface slabs 6 to 18 inches in depth. Deeper slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could also be triggered by the weight of a skier or more likely by the weight of a snowmachine or multiple snow machines on a the same slope. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 where the general avalanche hazard is forecast to be Low.
