At the higher elevations strong winds have created wind slabs that could be triggered by skiers and riders. These slabs could be large enough to injure or bury a person. In some areas these slabs may be draped in and below cliff bands and may not release until a skier or rider is well onto the slab. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet. A careful assessment of conditions and conservative terrain choices are warranted.
Wind slabs formed by southwest to northwest winds have formed on leeward aspects. These slabs could be triggered by skiers or riders with depths to two feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A low pressure trough and a strong cold front will move into the area from the Pacific Northwest. Skies will be cloudy with periods of snowfall that may become heavy at times. Accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible in the mountains. The snow will be accompanied by strong west-southwest winds. Wind speeds of 45 with gusts over 60 miles per hour are expected on the summits. Temperatures will be in the 20s in the mountains and in the 30s in the valleys.At the higher elevations strong winds and the new snow will create dense wind slabs. These slabs are expected to be 1 to 3 feet deep and sensitive to human triggers in steep avalanche prone terrain features. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the higher elevations, MODERATE at the mid elevations and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
