At the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs on steep, wind loaded slopes. Warming temperatures and sunshine will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs as the day progresses. While less likely, large persistent slabs remain a threat to backcountry travelers. In addition to the possibility of being human triggered, these slabs could also fail from the release of a wind slab. Shallow point slides will be likely on sunlit aspects in the afternoon. Monitor warming temperatures and their effect on the snowpack. Don’t let blue skies impair your judgement, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. Skiers and riders might be able to trigger a shallow soft slab on very steep slopes at the lower elevations.
Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop increased to 20 to 30 miles per hour Friday night and remained strong throughout the day on Saturday. These conditions continued to build stiffer wind slabs in leeward terrain and on cross loaded slopes. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs to depths of one to two feet in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain.
Faceted weak layers that formed during the November dry spell exist in the lower portion of the snowpack, and skiers and riders still have the potential of triggering slab avalanches up to three feet deep above 7,500 feet. This hazard is more of a concern in terrain with shallower snow depths. In these areas, temperature gradients have been stronger and the weak layers are more easily impacted. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, may be more likely to initiate these persistent slabs.
Conditions overnight and into the morning will be dominated by high pressure. A weak system will bring clouds to the region in the afternoon and a trace to a couple of inches of new snow to the mountains Monday night. Southwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 with gusts to 35 miles per hour ahead of this approaching disturbance. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s.At the mid and upper elevations the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Skiers and riders could trigger surface slabs 6 to 18 inches in depth. Deeper slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could also be triggered by the weight of a skier or more likely by the weight of a snowmachine or multiple snow machines on a the same slope. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 where the general avalanche hazard is forecast to be Low.
