Above 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard is moderate. Backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches in steep terrain. On southerly aspects, solar radiation throughout the day may cause these wind slabs to become more sensitive to triggers. Below 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard is low and avalanche activity is not expected, except for small wet surface slides during prolonged periods of sunshine. Monitor the sun’s effects, and avoid slopes as they become wet. Please travel respectfully in the backcountry. Recreational avalanche accidents are an unacceptable burden on the community’s public healthcare system. It is an important time to exercise conservative decisions and avoid accidents.
At the highest elevations, drifted snow lies over a variety of surfaces including crusts. These wind slabs could be up to 2 feet in depth and could release under the weight of a single person. Avoid areas of drifted snow, especially as the sun warms the slope.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Overnight, mostly clear skies and cold temperatures will continue into tomorrow morning. By mid-day cloud cover is expected to increase to partly cloudy. Mountain temperatures will range from the single digits to mid-20s, and valleys will climbing into the 30s. Westerly ridgetop winds are expected to be 10 to 25 miles per hour. In steep terrain above 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard remains moderate. On wind-loaded terrain features, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches 12 to 24 inches in-depth. As the day warms, these slabs may increase in sensitivity on solar aspects. Below 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard is low, and avalanche activity is not expected, except for small wet surface slides during prolonged periods of sunshine. Recreational avalanche accidents are an unacceptable burden on the community's public health care system. It is an important time to exercise conservative decision making and avoid accidents.
