At the high elevations, the potential continues to trigger recently formed wind slabs in steep avalanche terrain. Caution is advised as these slabs could be large if triggered. At the mid and low elevations, avalanches are unlikely however warm temperatures have softened the snowpack and wet slides could be triggered in steep terrain particularly during the afternoon.
Slabs lie in the backcountry at the high elevations. These slabs could be hard and have depths from one to four feet. Larger slabs are most likely to be found on northwest to east terrrain and may require larger trigger such as multiple skiers or snow machines to initiate. The sensitivity of these slabs will increase this afternoon as they are weakened by warm temperatures.
The next storm is to bring snowfall to the region starting after midnight tonight. At sunrise, accumulations could be light however moderate to heavy snowfall is expected to continue into Sunday morning. Temperatures are to cool during this system with mountain highs in the mid twenties expected on Saturday and the mid teens on Sunday. Strong southwest winds are expected to have 30-35 mph averages. The combination of significant snowfall, strong winds, and slick sliding surfaces will result in the avalanche hazard increasing during the day. By the afternoon the general avalanche hazard could be Considerable above 9000 feet and Moderate below that elevation. Hazard will mostly involve the new snow so the timing and amount of precipitation will greatly impact this hazard. Check the morning advisories for updated conditions.
