Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger slab avalanches today. Moderate danger indicates that these slabs require the weight of a backcountry skier or rider to initiate them and that they are not likely to release naturally. The snowpack is weak and careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain is necessary today.
Persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. These layers formed during cold dry periods that were buried on December 8th and Janurary 5th. These slabs could fail from the weight of a single person and larger loads, such as groups of people or snowmachines, are more likely to trigger one of these events.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The thin ridge of high pressure will result in dry conditions through Saturday morning. The next system is to arrive Saturday and bring snow in the afternoon. Temperatures are to rise into the upper twenties. Southwest winds are to increase as snow develops to averages of 15-25 mph. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate. Recently formed slabs could be triggered in steep wind loaded terrain to depths of three feet at the higher elevations. A very slight chance also continues for failure near the base of the snowpack. If triggered, these deep slabs would result in large, dangerous hard slab avalanches.
