Backcountry travelers have the potential to trigger pockets of wind slab above 9000 feet. These slabs were formed by strong winds from varying directions over recent days. If triggered, these slabs could bury someone in a terrain trap or carry someone through hazardous terrain given the early season snow depths. Just below 9000 feet avalanches are unlikely except for small isolated events and lower elevations remain safe to avalanche hazard given low snow depths.
Soft slabs with depths to eighteen inches could be triggered in steep wind loaded terrain features at the higher elevations. These slabs were formed by recent winds from the southwest that became stronger and veered to the north for the last two days. These slabs will increase in sensitivity as the day warms.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure will dominate. Skies will be mostly clear with morning valley fog or low clouds expected. Temperatures are to be in the single digits at all elevations tomorrow morning with highs reaching the upper twenties.The avalanche hazard will remain Moderate above 9000 feet. In steep terrain, soft slabs formed by winds that have veered from the south to the north over the last several days lie upon hard crusts. These slabs, although relatively small, could have depths to two feet and are most likely to be found in terrain features prone to wind loading. The avalanche hazard will be Low below 9000 feet.
