The snowpack is generally stable. In isolated areas above 8000 feet, the chance continues to trigger small avalanches where a layer of weak snow lies that was buried in mid January. Avalanches at low elevations are not expected today.
Buried surface hoar persists in the snowpack six to eighteen inches below the old snow surface. In isolated areas, particularly in colder protected areas, skiers and riders might still be able to trigger hard slabs failing on this weak layer. These slabs will be more sensitive in the afternoon as they are weakened by warming.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Friday expect dry conditions with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper twenties as inversion conditions again build in the area. The general avalanche hazard will be LOW although in isolated areas a slight chance still continues to trigger isolated pockets of dense slab that lie upon a persistent weak layer buried approximately a foot below the snow surface. This weakness is lingering mainly on slopes that are not heated during sunny inversion periods above 8000 feet.
