Above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs in very steep, avalanche prone terrain. Temperatures are starting out close to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning, and these slabs could become more susceptible to failure as the day warms, especially if extended periods of rain or sunshine occur. The snowpack is mostly stable below 9,000 feet this morning. Increasing temperatures, rain and/or periods of sunshine could bring about the possibility of small wet slides at all elevations in the afternoon. If snow surfaces start to become wet, seek out low angle terrain. In both of last week’s fatalities, the victims were wearing transceivers, but tragically neither of their beacons were turned on. This a stark reminder to do full beacon checks before leaving the trailhead. For every person, verify their batteries are good, and their transceivers are both sending and receiving properly.
Wind slabs, with depths of one to two feet, reside above crusts and dense settled snow above 9,000 feet. These slabs are the likely culprits in the two fatalities toward the end of last week, and backcountry travelers could trigger similar slides on very steep, avalanche prone slopes. The likelihood of triggering these slabs could increase as the day warms.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect cloud cover to increase this evening followed by the development of light snow showers. Light, scattered snow showers will be possible through the afternoon on Sunday. In the afternoon, precipitation will transition to rain in the valleys. A few breaks in cloud cover will also be possible. Overnight temperatures in the mountains will be near 20 before rising into the mid-30s during the day. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9,000 feet on Sunday. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger wind slabs one to two feet deep in steep, avalanche prone terrain. These slabs could be come more susceptible to failure in the afternoon as temperatures climb above freezing, especially if extended periods of sunshine occur. Any extended periods of sunshine could also result in small wet loose slides on steep, sunlit slopes. If snow surfaces start to become wet, transition to shaded terrain. In both of this week’s fatalities, the victims were wearing transceivers, but tragically neither of their beacons were turned on. This a stark reminder to do full beacon checks before leaving the trailhead. For every person, verify their batteries are good, and their transceivers are both sending and receiving properly.
