New surface slabs are forming in the backcountry. Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger these slabs as well as persistent slabs that lie upon faceted snow. Total slab depths could reach four feet. The avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day as new snow continues to load the snowpack.
Strong winds and new snow have formed surface slabs in the backcountry. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity as the new snow continues to fall and may have depths to eighteen inches this afternoon.
Persistent slabs lie upon weak snow. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers when the surface slabs fail or after surface slabs entrain enough snow to cause their failure. These slabs could add an additional three feet to the depths of the avalanche. Caution is advised as these dangerous slabs are likely to involve large volumes of snow in their run out zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A storm system that is dropping from the northwest is to bring snow to the area overnight through Saturday afternoon. The mountains could receive approximately six inches overnight with an additional four to six expected during the day. Strong southwest winds with averages of 25-30 miles per hour are to accompany this snowfall before they become westerly and diminish in the afternoon. Temperatures are to remain cold with mountain highs in the mid to upper teens expected.The general avalanche hazard is to increase to Considerable during the day tomorrow as significant snowfall and associated strong winds raise the avalanche hazard. Riders and skiers will have the potential to trigger new soft wind slabs as well as have the potential to trigger deeper persistent slabs that lie upon old weak snow surfaces. Total depths could reach to over three feet, particularly in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area where the persistent slab problem is the most widespread.
