In very steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet, some potential may remain for backcountry travelers to trigger small pockets of recently developed wind slab. These slabs have a high degree of spatial variability, but are easily identified. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, and avoid stiff, drummy snow on very steep slopes. The chance for shallow wet loose sluffs could also reemerge during the heat of the day of steep, sunlit aspects. The likelihood of avalanche activity below 9,000 feet quickly diminishes as a winter snowpack transitions to mostly bare ground at the valley floor.
Diurnal warming and cooling cycles over the past couple of days, along with time in general, has decreased the likelihood of triggering recently developed wind slabs. These slabs rest above small grains of faceted snow and stout crusts from late November. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger one of these slabs to depths of 6 to 18 inches in very steep, wind loaded terrain above 9,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )On Sunday, skies will be mostly sunny as high pressure remains entrenched over the region. Temperature inversions will increase overnight with valley lows near zero. The mountains will start out around 20 degrees before climbing to near freezing during the day. Northerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 9,000 feet on Sunday. Some potential may remain for backcountry travelers to trigger recently developed pockets of wind slabs 6 to 18 inches deep in very steep, wind loaded terrain. These slabs have a high degree of spatial variability, but are easily identified. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, and avoid stiff, drummy snow on very steep slopes. The likelihood of avalanche activity below 9,000 feet quickly diminishes as a winter snowpack transitions to mostly bare ground at the valley floors.
