Skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes above 7,500 feet. Warming temperatures and sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs as the day progresses. While less likely, large persistent slabs remain a threat to backcountry travelers. In addition to the possibility of being human triggered, these slabs could also fail from the release of a wind slab. Shallow point slides will be likely on sunlit aspects in the afternoon. Monitor warming temperatures and their effect on the snowpack. Don’t let blue skies impair your judgement, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger a shallow soft slab on very steep slopes.
Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop increased to 20 to 30 miles per hour Friday night and remained strong throughout the day on Saturday. These conditions continued to build stiffer wind slabs in leeward terrain and on cross loaded slopes. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain.
Faceted weak layers that formed during the November dry spell exist in the lower portion of the snowpack, and skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering slab avalanches up to three feet deep above 7,500 feet. This hazard is more of a concern in terrain with shallower snow depths. In these areas, temperature gradients have been stronger and the weak layers are more easily impacted. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, may be more likely to initiate these persistent slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A transitory ridge of high pressure will build over the region on Sunday. Expect dry conditions and decreasing cloud cover as the day progresses. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rebounding into the upper 20s. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Sunday. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger wind slabs up to two feet deep on steep, wind loaded slopes. Terrain where these slabs are stiff and drummy should simply be avoided. Warming temperatures and sunshine could increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs as the day progresses. While less likely, persistent slabs up to three feet deep remain a threat to backcountry travelers. In addition to the possibility of being human triggered, these slabs could also fail from the release of a wind slab. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger a shallow soft slab on very steep slopes.
