Powerful west-southwest to west-northwest winds have redistributed snow and impacted snow surfaces. On steep north facing slopes persistent slabs lie upon a mid-October drought layer comprised of faceted snow. Human triggered avalanches are possible on steep terrain at the upper elevations. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid elevations. Very shallow snow depths and areas of bare ground exist at the lower elevations.
Pockets of wind slab one to two feet in depth formed by west-southwest to west-northwest winds could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs may have some potential to step down into faceted snow at the base of the snowpack on steep northerly aspects
Some potential persist for humans to trigger older slabs up to three feet in depth on steep northerly aspects above an elevation an 9,000 feet. These slabs lie upon a mid-October drought surface that is comprised of faceted snow. Thin areas of these slabs may be potential trigger points and previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability.
Expect mostly clear skies on Sunday as a ridge of high pressure remains over the area. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 before rising into the mid 30s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 9,000 feet on Sunday. Backcountry travelers venturing into very steep, shaded avalanche terrain might be able to trigger dense slabs up to three feet in depth which lie upon faceted snow from the October drought period. The general avalanche hazard below 9,000 feet is expected to be LOW and avalanches are unlikely.
