The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. In north facing terrain, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches that lie upon a weak persistent layer at the base of the snowpack. Additionally, surface slabs formed by recent winds could also be human triggered. Once initiated these surface slabs could cause failure of the basal layer. Avalanches below 9,000 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. Dense slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a person on this persistent weak layer. Caution is advised as these slabs may fail even if they have been previously crossed by other people.
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. ) A high pressure system will continue to dominate our weather through the week with generally light winds. On Tuesday skies will be mostly clear. Temperatures in the mountains will rise into the 20s and 30s. Winds will be west to northwest at 5 to 10 miles per hour.Mostly stable snow exists except on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Skiers or riders who venture into avalanche terrain on northerly or shaded aspects at the upper elevations could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE at the upper elevations and LOW below an elevation of 9,000 feet.
