Weak layers of faceted snow persist within the snowpack. Slab avalanches could be human triggered on steep slopes and have the potential to step down to deeper layers. These slabs can seriously injure and kill people and are most likely to be unstable on very steep slopes that were wind loaded by west to northwest winds during our most recent storm event. Skiers or snowboarders who venture into cliff areas and extreme terrain and snowmobilers who are high marking steep slopes are the most likely potential triggers.
Surface slabs up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones and have the potential to step down to depths of four feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The high pressure ridge over the area will give way to a weak system with limited moisture that will pass by to our north overnight. On Saturday skies will be partly to mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow flurries at the higher elevations. Colder air moving in behind this passing system will keep temperatures in the teens and 20s. Winds will veer to the northwest and decrease to 10 to 15 miles per hour.At the mid and upper elevations slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be triggered by skiers or riders in very steep terrain. These slabs could step down to depths of four feet. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
