At the mid and upper elevations a buried layer of faceted snow that formed in mid-November persists and is still weak. In steep terrain humans could trigger slab avalanches on this problem layer. Although it remains possible for the weight of a single person to trigger an avalanche on this layer; larger triggers, such as snowmobiles, may be more likely to initiate one of these slides. A careful evaluation of terrain and this persistent weak layer is warranted. Tracks on a slope should not be interpreted as an indication of stability. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Skiers and riders could trigger persistent slab avalanches up to two feet deep in steep terrain above an elevation of 8,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Conditions will remain dry into Monday with warming mountain temperatures and steepening valley inversions. Overnight temperatures will drop below zero in the colder valley locations and into the upper single digits above zero at 10,000 feet. Daytime highs will rise onto the 20s at all elevations. Clouds will increase during the day as the high pressure ridge moves east and a weak storm system approaches from the west. This system is forecast to bring 1 to 3 inches of new snow to the region by Tuesday morning. A buried layer of faceted snow that formed in mid-November is still capable of producing avalanches. On steep avalanche prone slopes at the mid and upper elevations, persistent slab avalanches up to 30 inches in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person. A careful evaluation of terrain and this persistent weak layer is warranted. Tracks on a slope should not be interpreted as an indication of stability. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
