Skiers and riders could trigger loose snow sloughs and wind slab avalanches on steep terrain features. Slab avalanches are mostly likely to be triggered at the upper elevations. At the mid and lower elevations, avalanches are unlikely. Warming temperatures and afternoon sunshine may cause wet, loose snow slides to release naturally on steep sunlit slopes and increase the sensitivity of wind slabs to human triggers. Small avalanches can become a significant hazard in cliff areas, steep chutes and in terrain traps. Evaluate terrain carefully noting areas of loading and features of concern.
Slabs formed by strong winds and snowfall during the past week can be triggered in steep terrain above 9000 feet. These slabs could be up to 3 feet deep. Be wary of wind drifted snow above cliffs and in couloirs. At the mid and lower elevations small slab avalanches up to a foot in depth could be human triggered on isolated terrain features.
As a northerly flow brings a quick-moving weather system to the region, clouds will develop overnight and light snowfall will begin in the morning. By Friday evening, snowfall amounts in the mountains could be 2 to 5 inches. In the morning, winds will increase and back to the southwest. Strong winds are expected through the day tomorrow and ridgetop gusts could be 50 to 60 miles per hour. At the upper elevations, the avalanche hazard is moderate. Tomorrow, sustained winds and new snow will form wind slabs on leeward slopes and along ridges. Humans could trigger wind slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet in depth, and these avalanches could entrain loose snow increasing in volume. Signs of shooting cracks indicate winds slabs are present and avalanche terrain should be avoided, especially around terrain traps like gullies and cliffs. The general avalanche hazard is low below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
