The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. In north facing terrain, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slabs that lie upon a weak persistent layer at the base of the snowpack. Additionally, surface slabs formed by earlier winds to 12 inch depths could also be triggered. Once initiated these surface slabs could cause failure of the basal layer. Avalanches below 9000 feet are not expected today.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These dense to hard slabs could have depths to three feet. Caution is advised as these slopes may fail even after they have seen significant traffic.
Earlier in the week, winds from varying directions have formed soft surface slabs in high elevation, steep exposed terrain. These slabs could increase in sensitivity as warming occurs today, have depths to twelve inches, and once triggered have the potential to release the deeper weakness near the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure and inversion conditions are to continue. Morning lows are expected to be in the teens at high elevations and near zero in valleys where morning fog can be expected. Daytime highs are to reach into the thirties. The avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet. On north facing slopes weak snow at the base of the snowpack remains susceptible to failure. Smaller surface slabs could also be triggered on a variety of aspects and could step down to the deeper instabilities if triggered in steep north facing terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are not expected.
