Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. New snow that accumulated during the recent storm cycle lies upon a January drought surface and may be unstable. This instability combined with todays warming temperatures and abundant sunshine will create conditions that could result in a serious avalanche accident. Humans who venture into steep avalanche prone terrain could trigger large destructive avalanches. Natural avalanche activity is possible and tracks may not be a good indicator of stability. Conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Dense slab avalanches up to four feet in depth could be human triggered on steep avalanche prone slopes and in major avalanche paths and have some potential to release naturally.
Wet loose slides are possible on steep sunlit aspects.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be mostly clear on Saturday with abundant sunshine as a high pressure ridge builds into the region. Temperatures will rise into the mid 20s to low 30s. Winds will be northwesterly at 10 miles per hour.Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and the potential for a large destructive avalanche to occur will be a huge concern on Saturday. In the mountains in of all of our forecast areas two to five feet of new snow that accumulated during the past six days lies upon a January drought surface. Snowmobilers and skiers could be able to cross some steep slopes without triggering a deep hard slab. On other slopes or slopes that have already been crossed multiple times a large avalanche may be triggered by the weight of a single person. It will be nearly impossible to tell which of these slopes are safe and which are not. Due to the potential consequences restraint and conservative terrain choices are essential in this problematic scenario.Humans who venture into steep avalanche terrain could trigger deep hard slabs two to six feet in depth. Warming conditions will create some potential for large destructive avalanches to release naturally and run full path. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE in all our of forecast areas. Backcountry travelers should avoid major avalanche paths and their run-out zones.
