Low hazard does not mean no hazard. While mostly stable snow exists, backcountry travelers may still be able to trigger persistent slabs in isolated areas. As the day warms, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase on sunlit aspects.
Buried surface hoar persists in the snowpack six to eighteen inches below the old snow surface. In isolated areas where surface hoar growth was most prolific, skiers and riders might still be able to trigger hard slabs failing on this weak layer.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will decrease overnight and mostly clear skies are expected on Thursday as high pressure builds into the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will dip into the upper teens before rising to near 30 during the day. Ridgetop winds will be light and variable.Mostly stable snow exists, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW on Thursday. Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Buried surface hoar persists in the snowpack six to eighteen inches below the old snow surface. In isolated areas where surface hoar growth was most prolific, skiers and riders might still be able to trigger hard slabs failing on this weak layer. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase as the day warms, particularly on sunlit aspects. Shallow wet loose sluffs involving the new snow will also be possible in the afternoon on steep, sun-affected slopes.
