Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds have formed pockets of wind slab above 8,500 feet. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Temperatures are starting out five to ten degrees cooler than yesterday, and wet slides are unlikely this morning. Daytime warming and periods of sunshine in the afternoon could bring back the chance for shallow wet slides involving the recent snowfall. Avalanche activity below Friday’s old snow surfaces is unlikely. Monitor daytime warming and avoid slopes with signs of wind loading.
Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds, which picked up late in the day on Friday, have formed pockets of wind slab above 8,500 feet. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs with depths of six to eighteen inches in steep, avalanche-prone terrain that has been recently wind loaded.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall are expected overnight as a moist air mass and cold front bring snow showers to the region. Scattered snow showers will continue during the day on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will drop into the mid to upper teens before rising into the low to mid 20s on Sunday. By the early morning hours, the valleys will fall into the low 20s followed by afternoon highs in the mid to upper 30s. Westerly ridgetop winds will pick up to 25 to 35 miles per hour overnight and continue through the day on Sunday.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Sunday. Cold nighttime temperatures should decrease the chance of avalanches involving the recent snowfall. Overnight, strong westerly ridgetop winds and moderate to heavy snowfall will combine to create new wind slabs in leeward terrain at the higher elevations. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of a foot in steep, wind-loaded terrain. The threat of wet slides involving the new and recent snowfall could return in the afternoon on sunlit aspects if extended periods of sunshine occur. Avalanche activity below Friday’s old snow surfaces is unlikely.
