Yesterday, a snowmobiler unintentionally rode off a cornice, triggered a slab avalanche and was partially buried. Skiers and riders might be able to trigger a pocket of surface slab in very steep, wind-loaded terrain above 9,000 feet. The primary threat to backcountry travelers above 7,500 feet remains persistent deep slabs. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or the release of a surface slab, are more likely to be able to impact this deeply buried weak layer. However, the weight of a single person could still trigger one of these very dangerous slabs if a shallow weak zone is encountered. With these conditions in mind, be wary of bold terrain choices, and don’t let blue skies impair your judgment. Avalanche activity is unlikely in most areas below 7,500 feet.
Persistent deep slab avalanches up to five feet in depth continue to pose a threat to backcountry travelers on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. While the likelihood of triggering these slabs is once again on a decreasing trend, the consequences of being caught remain severe.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light, scattered snow showers could linger overnight and into Saturday as the cold front moves across the region. By midday, snowfall should cease and cloud cover will be on the decrease. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the mid-teens during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet on Saturday. Skiers and riders might be able to trigger a pocket of slab involving the upper portion of the snowpack. While the likelihood of triggering dangerous persistent deep slab avalanches continues to slowly decrease, the consequences remain severe. With these conditions in mind, avoid bold terrain choices, and don’t let blue skies impair your judgment. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet.
