DANGEROUS unstable slabs formed by recent westerly winds exist lie in the backcountry. These slabs are likely to be triggered by snow machines to depths of up to five feet and could be triggered by the weight of a single skier when a weak or shallow point is crossed. The consequences of being caught in a such large slide could cause serious injury or death. Expert route finding skills and conservative terrain decisions are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Dense surface slabs one to four feet in depth lie upon slick old snow surfaces and faceted snow. These dangerous slabs could be triggered on a variety of aspects and are likely to be easily triggered by larger loads such as snowmobiles. On steep northerly aspects above 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to the ground.
Above 9000 feet on northerly aspects, weak snow persists at the base of the snowpack. In this terrain very dangerous hard slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person, a snowmobile or by the release of a wind slab avalanche. These dangerous slabs will step down to the ground and could have crown depths to five feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Thursday looks to be mostly clear with continued cold temperatures. At upper elevations morning temperatures near twenty below zero are possible.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable above 7000 feet. Although some strengthening of the snowpack has occurred it will still be possible for backcountry travelers to trigger dangerous slab avalanches with depths to five feet.
