Abundant sunshine and warming temperatures will be increasing the general avalanche hazard today. At the higher elevations wind slabs could be human triggered on a variety of aspects. In isolated areas at the upper elevations some potential may also persist for snowmobilers to trigger deep hard slabs in steep avalanche prone terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
At the higher elevations wind slabs could be human triggered in steep terrain on a variety of aspects. These slabs are made up of both new and recent snowfall and lie upon crusts and areas of buried surface hoar. These slabs could be triggered by riders and skiers with depths that vary from one to two feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The leading edge of a high pressure ridge will bring dryer and warmer conditions to the region. Skies should be mostly sunny on Friday. Winds will be light from the northwest at less than 10 miles per hour. Overnight lows are forecast to be in the mid to upper teens. Daytime highs will rise into the mid-30s in the mountains and into the mid-40s in the valleys.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations where pockets of wind slab and shallow loose snow avalanches could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet where the hazard is anticipated to be LOW.
