The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7500 feet. Recent snow and strong winds have formed wind slabs in high steep terrain. Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these slabs as well as older slabs that lie upon buried instabilities in the snowpack. Below 7500 feet the hazard is LOW and avalanches are not expected.
Strong northwest winds during and following Tuesday nights snowstorm formed wind slabs in high elevation terrain along ridge crests and near peaks. These slabs can be triggered on steep leeward slopes with depths to one foot today.
Persistent layers of faceted snow lie in the snowpack. Slabs could be triggered by backcountry riders in steep avalanche prone paths with depths of one to four feet. These older slabs could be triggered after initiation of a new wind slab, by a single person hitting a weak spot in a steep rocky area or by larger loads such as snow machines.
