Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches on a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations today. These slabs are likely to be shallow, involving new and recently fallen snow, however the potential to involve deeper layers of snow can not be ruled out. Evaluate terrain carefully as the best way to avoid these avalanche problems is to stay out of very steep terrain, particularly near upper elevation ridgelines and cliff areas. The chance to trigger avalanches will increase this afternoon as moderate to heavy snowfall further loads upper elevation slopes.
The chance to trigger hard wind slabs with depths to 2 feet exists in steep, wind loaded terrain. These slabs were formed during the last round of snow that fell earlier this week. Snow surfaces are generally firm and new snow that is expected to fall today could form shallow, sensitive soft slabs by nightfall.
(12/20/2025)
Watch for pillows, shooting cracks and collapsing in new snow.
A hard crust formed on December 10th lies 2 to 4 feet below the surface. Although it has become unlikely for a single person to trigger an avalanche involving this layer, the potential can not be completely ruled out. Initiation would most likely occur by finding a particularly thin and weak spot on a slope or from a larger trigger such as cornice fall or a moving wind slab. If triggered, these slabs have the potential to be very large hard slab avalanches.
(12/20/2025)
Large natural avalanche that failed on the 12/10 crust.
North Aspect, 10,000'
Warm temperatures have been an important factor in the development of this season's snowpack. Multiple precipitation events have occurred with the snow/rain line rising at times to 9000'. The snowpack at the higher elevations is very dense and contains rime and rain crusts. The most prominent crust was formed on December 10th however rain on Wednesday added another crust that is at or near the surface. The large avalanches such as the one on Glory Bowl earlier this week should not be forgotten and could be a more active layer if loaded by significant storm events in the future. Snow depths at the lower elevations are very shallow and avalanches are not expected. Cooler temperatures are to accompany the incoming snowfall and bring snow to the valley floor.
