The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9000 feet where 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 18 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 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.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A forming ridge of high pressure will result in temperatures that could be below zero at all elevations in the morning with highs building into the mid twenties in the afternoon as inversion conditions start to develop. The avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9000 feet in all forecast areas. The potential exists to trigger surface wind slabs on a variety of aspects with depths that could reach two feet. In north facing terrain the chance continues to trigger larger full depth avalanches on a persistent layer of weak snow that lies at the base of the snowpack. Below 9000 feet the avalanche hazard is expected to be Low.
