The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet. Backcountry travelers could trigger recently developed surface slabs in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Persistent slabs still warrant some concern. As the warms, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase, particularly on sunlit aspects. Below 7,500 feet, the general avalanche hazard is LOW. There, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow slab in very steep terrain.
Dense surface slabs, one to three feet in depth, lie upon wind pack and sun crusts. Very steep, unsupported slopes are the most suspect. Due to the density of these slabs, the consequences of being caught are higher than typically expected with slides of these depths.
On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger hard slab avalanches failing on faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. Crown depths to five feet are possible.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Thursday, skies will continue to be mostly clear above low level clouds in the valleys. Overnight lows will be in the low 20s before rising to near 30 during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will veer to the northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet. There, backcountry travelers could trigger dense surface slabs one to three feet deep in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to release these slabs. As the day warms, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase, particularly on sunlit aspects. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow slab in very steep terrain.
