The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Powerful west-southwest to west-northwest winds have redistributed the snow and impacted snow surfaces. On steep north facing slopes persistent slabs lie upon a mid-October drought layer comprised of faceted snow. Human triggered slab avalanches are possible on steep terrain at the higher elevations. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 9,000 feet.
Pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth that were formed by strong west winds could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain. If triggered on a north facing slope above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down through faceted snow to the ground.
Humans could also trigger older slabs up to three feet in depth on steep northerly aspects above an elevation an 9,000 feet. These slabs lie upon a mid-October drought surface that is comprised of faceted snow. Thin areas of these slabs may be potential trigger points and previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The fast moving trough that brought this wind event and new snow is rapidly moving east. A flat high pressure ridge will build into the region tonight and into Saturday. This will bring dry and mild conditions to our forecast areas. On Saturday skies will be partly sunny with mountain temperatures rising into the 30s and winds at speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour.Faceted snow persists at the base of the snowpack on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Humans who venture into very steep avalanche terrain at the higher elevations could trigger dense slabs up to three feet in depth on this persistent weak layer. Thin areas of these slabs may be potential trigger points and previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and lower elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
