Areas of unstable snow exist. At the mid and upper elevations slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche starting zones, cliff areas and steep couloirs. Deep slab avalanches also continue to be an unlikely but possible threat for snowmobilers who climb steep avalanche prone slopes. At the lower elevations the potential for wet slides to occur on very steep slopes will increase after snow surfaces soften. Periods of sunshine could rapidly increase the hazard at all elevations.
Slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers or riders in steep avalanche prone terrain above an elevation of 8,000 feet. These slabs could be one to two feet deep. Periods of sunshine could increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers.
Although the likelihood of triggering a deep hard slab avalanche is low, the consequences remain severe. These dangerous hard slab avalanches could be three to five feet deep and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmachine. Previous tracks may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A trough with colder air and limited moisture will allow for the chance for periods of snow through Sunday although accumulations should be light. Mountain temperatures are to drop to the low teens overnight and rise to the low twenties during the day. Valleys are to rise from the upper teens to mid-thirties. Higher temperatures are possible if skies become sunnier than expected. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 8000 feet. Skiers or riders could trigger slabs with depths of one to two feet between 8000 and 9000 feet and depths to three feet at higher elevations. This hazard will increase during the day in isolated areas where direct sunlight rapidly warms the surface of the snowpack. Below 8000 feet avalanche activity is unlikely, except for the possibility of small wet slides in the afternoon.
