Persistent Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 2–3
A Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect for the Elk Mountainsthrough Monday evening. New snow and strong winds built cohesive slabs over a recently buried weak layer creating unusually dangerous avalanche conditions. Avalanches will run naturally above treeline, and some can step down to deeper weak layers resulting in a more destructive avalanche. Avoid avalanche terrain above treeline. In other areas, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential to travel safely in the backcountry on Sunday and Monday.
Safer travel options can be found on wind-sheltered slopes below treeline where there is moist snow or moist crusts underneath the recent storm snow or by avoiding travel on or underneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees in areas of concern.