Wind slabs have formed over the recent days. These slabs have released naturally and will be sensitive to human triggers today on loaded terrain features. Addition hazard exists in the form of older harder slabs that lie on persistently weak snow near the base of the snowpack. These deeper instabilities could still be triggered by a single rider or skier or by one of the smaller wind slab avalanches once it is initiated. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
At the upper elevations several days of southwest to northwest winds have created pockets of surface slab up to two feet in depth. These slabs could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas.
Hard slabs, with depths to four feet, lie upon persistent weak layers of faceted snow on a variety of aspects. A snowmobile, the weight of a single skier or the release of a pocket of surface slab could trigger one of these hard slabs. Previous tracks and the lack of recent avalanche activity are not indications of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will continue to be mostly to partly cloudy with some periods of very light snowfall possible overnight. Temperatures will rise into the 20s on Wednesday. Winds are to continue at speeds of 15 to 25 miles per hour and will back towards the southwest.At the upper elevations winds slabs will continue to form and be sensitive to human triggers and in isolated areas these slabs could release naturally with depths to two feet. Deeper hard slabs with depths from two to five feet continue to be a hazard at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs remain unstable in isolated areas and could be human triggered with severe consquences. The general avalanche hazard at the mid and upper elevations is expected to be MODERATE. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations were the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
