Recent snow that rests on weak surfaces from the January drought resulted in several shallow, surface slides and some deep slabs. Similar avalanches are possible today. Extended periods of sunshine in the afternoon will increase the likelihood of triggering slides on sunlit slopes. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Large, destructive avalanches remain possible. These persistent hard slabs rest on weak January drought surfaces and could be triggered to depths of two to four feet. A slope could be crossed multiple times before a skier or rider finds a trigger point; previous tracks are not a sign of stability. As the day warms, slides will become more susceptible to failure on sunlit slopes.
The chance for backcountry travelers to trigger wet loose sloughs and shallow soft slabs will increase on steep, sunlit aspects as the day warms.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The high pressure ridge over the area will begin to break down and move east allowing a weak short wave into the region Monday. Patchy areas of light snow will develop through the day with very light accumulation. Winds will become more westerly at 15 miles per hour and mountain temperatures will be in the low 20s. Soft surface slabs will become more difficult to trigger as well as deep persistent slabs two to five feet in depth resting on the weak surfaces from January. Triggering both types of slabs will remain possible. Snow machines or the second person or later on a slope may be necessary to trigger slides. Previous tracks can not be trusted to indicate a slope is safe. The general avalanche danger will be MODERATE.
