Yesterdays snowfall was accompanied by very strong west winds. These winds became northwesterly as snowfall diminished during the evening. Above 7500 feet the general avalanche hazard is Moderate where new wind slabs have formed in avalanche terrain. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger these slabs as well as older slabs that lie upon persistent weak layers in the snowpack. Below 7500 feet the hazard is Low activity is limited to isolated pockets of shallow surface slabs in very steep terrain.
Wind slabs formed by yesterdays strong west to northwest winds lie in the backcountry. These slabs lie at all elevations but will be more susceptible to human triggers above 9000 feet where the most significant wind loading occurred. Crown depths to one foot are possible. Watch out for and avoid areas with obvious wind loading in steep terrain.
Persistent layers of faceted snow lie in the snowpack. Slabs laying on these layers vary from one foot to as much as four feet in depth. These hard slabs could be triggered after initiation of a new wind slab, by a single person hitting a weak spot or by larger loads such as snow machines. Particularly steep, rocky avalanche prone paths should be avoided today.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The chance for periods of snow continues through Saturday. Three to six inches of snow could fall by the evening. Temperatures are to be cooler with mountain temps near zero in the morning rising to near ten degrees in the afternoon. Above 7500 feet, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate however the hazard could elevate to Considerable if significant additional snowfall and strong winds occur overnight. New wind slabs to a foot in depth could be triggered and the chance continues to trigger older weaknesses in the snowpack that could have depths to a maximum of four feet. Avalanches are not expected below 7500 feet, however, if significant snow falls loose snow sluffs are possible in shaded terrain where the snowpack is entirely faceted.
