At the upper elevations, isolated pockets of wind slab could be a potential hazard to backcountry travelers venturing onto steep, avalanche prone slopes. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid elevations where snow depths are around a foot deep. Very little snow exists at the lower elevations.
Yesterday's snowfall added a little bit of weight and depth to existing isolated pockets of wind slab at the higher elevations. These slabs, up to 18 inches in depth, lie upon hard crusts at the upper elevations and could be human triggered in steep avalanche terrain.
Cloud cover will increase Friday as a weak shortwave imbedded in southwest flow moves over the area bringing a chance for light, scattered snow showers. Overnight lows in the mountains will be around 20 degrees before rising to near freezing during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW on Friday. At the upper elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger isolated pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth on steep, avalanche prone slopes. Avalanche activity is unlikely below 8,500 feet.
