Above 7500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches formed during the past week. These slabs have gained strength over the last two days and although many areas have become stable, unstable pockets still lurk in very steep wind loaded terrain. Snowfall that is to be heavy at times today and strong southwest winds could combine to form new shallow and sensitive surface slabs this afternoon. Below 7500 feet, avalanches are not expected today.
Over the past week, wind has formed slabs that could fail on density breaks in the newer snow or upon the hard crusts that were buried last Sunday. These slabs could be triggered to depths of two feet and although they exist on all aspects, they are more likely to be found in higher shaded terrain.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Very strong southwest winds are expected overnight and through Saturday. By daylight snow is expected to begin to fall and continue to fall throughout the day. This snow will be heavy and could mix with rain in the valleys. Significant accumulation, up to a foot of snow, could occur by Saturday evening at the higher elevations.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low below 7500 feet and Moderate above that elevation. Although the likelihood has diminished, a chance continues to trigger surface slabs formed during the last week in steep wind loaded terrain.
