The avalanche hazard is Moderate above 8500 feet where some potential remains for riders or skiers to trigger persistent slabs that lie upon old hard snow surfaces. New snow and very strong winds today may also provide the chance for shallow surface slabs to develop by late this afternoon as snow accumulates over a snowpack topped with widespread surface hoar. Below 8500 feet the danger is low and avalanches are not expected.
Pockets of dense to hard slabs lie upon persistent weakness such as surface hoar lying over crusts. A slight chance remains to trigger these slabs with depths up to two feet in steep terrain, especially in and around cliff areas.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The first of two systems will impact the area Friday into early Saturday. Over six inches of snowfall is possible with this event but more importantly, it is to be accompanied by very strong winds. Southwest winds with gust near 60 miles per hour are possible. Temperatures are to reach the mid twenties at all elevations. The general avalanche hazard will remain Moderate at the mid and upper elevations and low below the elevation. The chance persists to trigger existing slabs in steep terrain with depths to two feet in very steep terrain. By afternoon strong winds could form sensitive shallow surface slabs with the new and existing loose snow in steep leeward slopes.
