This advisory has been updated to include a report that a snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche in the upper portion of the Sheep Creek drainage east of Palisades Reservoir yesterday afternoon. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available. Weak layers of faceted snow that formed in December and January are still a concern on steep avalanche prone slopes above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Dangerous hard slab avalanches could still be triggered by snowmobilers or skiers on these persistent weak layers. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Large to very large deep slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders with depths to five feet on deeply buried persistent weak layers. The consequences of triggering one of these slabs are likely to be severe.
Isolated pockets of slab formed by west to southwest winds could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These slabs could be up to two feet in depth. Even a small slab can be a hazard if it is triggered above a cliff, a terrain trap or in a very steep chute or couloir.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Bitterly cold temperatures with some clouds and snow flurries will continue. Overnight lows will be in the teens and single digits below zero. Daytime highs will be in the single digits above zero. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour with some higher gusts.Weak layers that formed in December and January are still a problem on steep avalanche prone slopes above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Deep slab avalanches two to five feet in depth could still be triggered by skiers or riders on these persistent weak layers. The consequences of triggering a dangerous hard slab avalanche remain severe. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
