The avalanche danger is Moderate in the mid and upper elevations today. Weak layers buried 3-8 feet deep sit below large hard slabs. The likelihood of triggering a deep slab avalanche is on the low end of the scale. However, finding a thin spot in a slab or the added weight of a large group will be cases in which these avalanches are possible today. Consequences of being involved in an avalanche of this size are severe. Using good travel habits will help to minimize exposure to this problem. Travel across slopes one at a time, identify and use islands of safety and avoid stopping in runout zones. In the low elevations avalanches are unlikely and the danger there is Low.
Weak layers, ranging from 3-8 feet deep lurk below dense slabs. Typical warning signs such as collapsing or shooting cracks will not present themselves. Large triggers such as groups or snowmobiles as well as individuals hitting a thin spot in the slab will increase the odds of triggering an avalanche at these depths. Consequences of getting caught in a deep slab avalanche are severe.
An approaching Alberta clipper system will bring only slight chances for isolated snow showers tonight through tomorrow afternoon. Accumulation will be minimal and may approach one inch in some areas. Winds will be out of the west and northwest at 15-20 mph. Ridgetop temperatures will see overnight lows in the teens before rising back into the mid to high twenties during the day tomorrow. The weather over the next 24 hours will do little to change the snowpack and how it reacts to potential triggers. Avalanches will require large triggers or smaller triggers finding thin spots in a slab. Steep, open and unsupported slopes will be the most likely terrain to encounter a slab that will be reactive to human triggers. Because of this the danger will remain Moderate above 8,500 feet tomorrow. Avalanches are unlikely in the lower elevations where the danger will remain Low.
