The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE. In north facing terrain above 9000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slabs with depths to three feet that lie upon a persistent weakness at the base of the snowpack . Backcountry travelers could also trigger recently developed wind slabs up to 12 inches in very steep, wind loaded terrain. 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. These dense slabs, two to three feet in depth, could be triggered by skiers and riders on this persistent weak layer. The strength of this layer is hard to predict and failure may occur after a slope is crossed several times or from the initiation of a smaller surface slab.
Winds from varying directions over the last several days have formed surface slabs with depths to 12 inches. These slabs are most likely to be found in steep exposed terrain near ridgelines. Avoid areas with obvious wind loading. The sensitivity of these slabs could temporarily increase today as warming occurs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure is to continue through the weekend and into next week. Morning temperatures near zero are expected and could be colder in the valleys as inversion conditions continue to establish. Morning fog is likely. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Above 9000 feet in north facing terrain, weak snow at the base of the snowpack remains a hazard. Even after being skied or crossed failure could occur resulting in full depth slides that could have crowns to 40 inches. Additionally surface slabs formed by recent winds could be triggered in very steep wind loaded terrain on a variety of aspects. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely in the early season snowpack.
