The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. In north facing terrain, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches which lie upon a weak persistent layer at the base of the snowpack. Additionally, surface slabs formed by recent winds could also be human triggered. Once initiated, these surface slabs could step down to the basal weak layer. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 9,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Dense slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a person on this persistent weak layer. Caution is advised as these slabs may fail even if they have been previously crossed by other people.
Earlier in the week, winds from varying directions formed surface slabs up to 12 inches deep in high elevation, steep exposed terrain. If one of these slabs is triggered on a steep northerly aspect, it could step down to the weak, faceted snow at the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect increasing cloud cover as high pressure begins to break down. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising into the low 30s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Thursday above 9,000 feet. Weak, faceted snow persists near the base of the snowpack on shaded slopes above 9,000 feet. Backcountry travelers venturing into this terrain could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth on very steep slopes. Below 9,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
