Persistent weak layers and poor snow structure continue to be a concern. At mid and upper elevations large slab avalanches could be triggered by humans on steep avalanche prone slopes. These slabs may be more sensitive to human triggers when a skier or rider hits a shallow weak spot and/or with larger triggers such as snowmobiles. At the lower elevations small slab avalanches could be triggered by humans on isolated terrain features.
At the mid and upper elevations large slab avalanches could be triggered on buried persistent weak snow layers with depths to three feet. At the lower elevations small pockets of slab up to a foot in depth could be triggered by humans in steep isolated terrain features.
Skies will remain mostly clear however some high clouds may ride over this ridge. Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper single tonight and rise into the 20s during the day. Winds will be backing from the west towards the southwest and increase in the afternoon from 15 to 20 with gusts to 25 to 30 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate at the mid and upper elevations and be low below an elevation of 7,500 feet. Persistent weak layers may still be capable of failing due to the weight of a person. Slab avalanches up to three in depth could be triggered on these problem layers. Slab failure may be more likely to be initiated by a skier or rider who hits a shallow weak spot in the snowpack on a steep slope and by larger triggers like snowmachines.
