At the upper elevations, strong ridgetop winds have loaded high elevation starting zones, and backcountry travelers could trigger small to large wind slabs on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Remember, even small slides can have serious consequences in steep, exposed terrain. At the mid and lower elevations, the emerging springtime snowpack is mostly stable. However, be on the lookout for very steep, wind-loaded terrain features in the upper portion of this elevation band.
Strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds have transported available snow onto leeward slopes above 9,000 feet. Moderate to strong westerly ridgetop winds and new snow will continue to load starting zones, and skiers and riders could trigger wind slabs up to two feet deep in steep, wind-loaded terrain.
Expect light to moderate intensity snowfall overnight before a drying trend begins by Sunday morning. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising to near 30 in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet on Sunday. The potential continues for skiers and riders to trigger pockets of winds slab up to two feet deep in very steep, avalanche prone terrain. If cloud cover decreases in the afternoon, wet loose sluffing of the new snow will become possible on steep, sunlit aspects. The emerging springtime snowpack is mostly stable below 9,000 feet. However, be suspect of very steep, wind-loaded terrain features in the upper portion of this elevation band.
