The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet. Backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed wind slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind loaded terrain. Faceted snow persists throughout the snowpack and failure could also occur on these deeper layers with slab depths up to three feet. If skies are mostly clear in the afternoon, these slides may become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects. Moderate hazard is not a green light. While the likelihood of triggering these slides is decreasing, the consequences remain high. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 7,500 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Around 20 inches of snow containing two inches of snow water equivalent fell between Friday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Strong westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, creating wind slabs on leeward slopes, which lie upon good sliding surfaces and light density snow. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain to depths of two feet.
Faceted snow persists throughout the snowpack on a variety of aspects. Recent snowfall has increased the load on these weak layers. If triggered, these slabs could release to the ground with depths of two to three feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect partly cloudy to mostly clear skies on Thursday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the upper 20s during the day. Valley temperatures should be 5 to 10 degrees cooler. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Thursday. Backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed wind slabs up to 30 inches deep in steep, wind loaded terrain. Faceted snow persists throughout the snowpack and failure could also occur on these deeper layers with slab depths up to four feet. If skies are mostly clear and temperatures are inverted, these slides may become more susceptible to failure in the afternoon on sunlit aspects at the upper elevations. While the likelihood of triggering these slides is decreasing, the consequences remain high. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.
