Backcountry travelers venturing onto very steep, north facing slopes above 9,000 feet could trigger persistent slabs failing near the base of the snowpack. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger surface slab avalanches which have the potential to step down to the basal weak layer below. Avalanches are unlikely below 9,000 feet.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Dense slabs up to three feet in depth rest upon this week layer and could be triggered by skiers or riders on very steep, avalanche prone slopes. Caution is warranted, and previous tracks on a slope are not an indication of stability.
Expect increasing clouds with a chance of mountain snow flurries as cold air and moisture begin to approach the area from the northwest. Temperatures on Saturday will be in the 20s and winds will be westerly at 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard will continue to MODERATE on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Skiers or riders could trigger dense slab avalanches up to three feet in depth in north facing terrain at the upper elevations. Mostly stable snow exists at the mid elevations. Minimal snow depths and areas of bare ground exist at the lower elevations.
