DANGEROUS unstable slabs formed by westerly winds exist. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person and are likely to be easily tgriggered by snow machines to depths of up to five feet. The consequences of being caught in a large slide could be fatal. Expert route finding skills and conservative terrain decisions are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Dense surface slabs one to four feet in depth lie upon slick old snow surfaces. These dangerous slabs could be triggered by a single skier or snowboarder on a variety of aspects and are likely to be easily triggered by larger loads such as snowmobiles. The consequences of being caught in a large slide could be fatal. On steep northerly aspects above 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to the ground.
Deep instability persist on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. In this terrain very dangerous hard slabs lie upon a basal layer of weak faceted snow and could be triggered by the weight of a single person, a snowmobile or by the release of a wind slab avalanche. These dangerous slabs will step down to the ground and could have crown depths to five feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A bitter cold air mass is settling into the region and it will continue to get colder during the next couple of days. On Wednesday skies will be mostly to partly cloudy with a chance of light mountain snow showers or flurries. Temperatures will range from five to 10 degrees below zero. Winds will be light from the north to northeast.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 7,000 feet. Dangerous slab avalanches up to five feet in depth could be human triggered on steep avalanche prone slopes.
