At the upper elevations, recently formed wind slabs lie on a variety of aspects. Although cold temperatures have lessened the sensitivity of these slabs, they could still be triggered in steep avalanche terrain . Backcountry recreationalists should watch out for and avoid terrain that has obvious signs of wind loading, especially where the recent snow lies upon slick crusts. At the mid elevations, isolated pockets of slab exist in very steep terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Varying wind directions during and following the recent snowfall has provided the possibility for slab formation on a variety of aspects. If triggered, these slabs will release as soft slabs and could have depths to eighteen inches although depths are more likely to be in the six to ten inch range. Remember that small slides can have severe consequences in any type of terrain trap.
Skies will clear overnight with temperatures into the negative single digits. It will warm up a bit tomorrow but only to zero to five degrees. At 9,000ft and above, winds will be west-northwest averaging in the teens. Clouds will increase through the day and one to three inches is expected tomorrow afternoon into Friday night.Small, isolated wind slabs will remain a concern at the upper elevations though the likelihood of triggering them is slowly diminishing. Be on the lookout for signs of recent wind loading such as smooth fat pillows and loaded roll overs. Stiff surface conditions or shooting cracks are clues you have ventured onto a loaded pocket. On cold, sheltered aspects, terrain over 40 degrees may have the possibility of loose dry avalanches. These problems are expected to be small, though they could be consequential if carried into terrain traps.Across the three forecast areas the avalanche danger will remain Moderate at upper elevations and Low elsewhere.
