At the lower elevations large wet slides impacted the groomed trail in Game Creek yesterday and a natural or wildlife triggered wet slide was observed on the west slope of Snow King Mountain. Warm temperatures, sustained rainfall overnight and poor snowpack structure have created very dangerous avalanche conditions. With more rain and even warmer temperatures in the forecast natural wet slides are likely today on steep snow covered slopes and human or wildlife triggered wet slides are very likely. TRAVEL IN OR BENEATH AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED AT THE LOWER ELEVATIONS. At the mid and upper elevations the hazard will be increasing as new snow, strong westerly winds and increasing temperatures combine to create dangerous conditions. Dense surface slabs and deeper persistent slabs are likely to be easily triggered by humans and large, destructive natural slab avalanches are possible. A Special Avalanche Bulletin remains in effect. Expert route finding skills and snowpack assessment knowledge are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Dense wind slabs formed by westerly winds with depths of one to two feet are likely to human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs could step down to deeper layers of weak faceted snow in areas with poor snowpack structure and will become more sensitive to human triggers as the day warms.
Buried layers of weak snow persist at all elevations. Slabs that lie upon these weaknesses could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers today. These slabs could have depths of three to six feet and will be wet in areas affected by rain.
Large wet slides are likely to occur today on steep slopes at the lower elevations. The potential for natural, human triggered and wildlife triggered slides to occur will increase as the day warms. Roof slide are also likely.
Snow and rain are forecast to continue. Another 8 to 15 inches of dense snow is expected to fall at the higher elevations during the next 24 hours. This snowfall will be accompanied by strong west to southwest winds with speeds of 25 to 35 and gusts from 45 to 55 miles per hour. Rain is likely below an elevation of 6,500 feet. If this weather forecast verifies the general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH. Natural and human triggered wet slides are likely on steep slopes at the lower elevations. Very large and destructive slab avalanches are likely at the mid and upper elevations. An avalanche warning has been extended to 7 PM on Sunday evening and travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.
