The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. Persistent slabs lie upon weak snow at the base of the snowpack on north facing aspects. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Surface slab avalanches could also be triggered, and once initiated have the potential to step down and cause failure of the basal weak layer below. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 9,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above 9,000 feet. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches on this layer with depths to three feet. The strength of this layer is hard to predict and failure may occur after a slope has been crossed several times.
At the upper elevations surface slabs 6 to 12 inches deep could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. On steep, northerly aspects these slabs could step down to the persistent weak layer of faceted snow near the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect increasing cloud cover as high pressure begins to break down. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising into the low 30s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Thursday above 9,000 feet. Weak, faceted snow persists near the base of the snowpack on shaded slopes above 9,000 feet. Backcountry travelers venturing into this terrain could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth on very steep slopes. Below 9,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
