At the upper elevations some potential may persist for larger triggers such as high marking snowmobilers or multiple snowmobiles on the same slope to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet in depth on some very steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet.
At the upper elevations a weak layer of faceted snow persist near the base of the snowpack. Some potential may remain for humans to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet deep on very steep avalanche prone slopes.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will decrease in the evening with northwest winds around 15 miles per hour and temperatures continuing to drop to near zero by Christmas morning. Christmas day will be partly cloudy with a few lingering snow showers and temperatures rising to 10 degrees. Ridge top winds will be west to southwesterly at 10 miles per hour.A period of moderate west to northwesterly winds Monday afternoon into the evening was easily moving the light density new and available snow onto lee slopes changing the loose snow into slabs. Backcountry travelers may trigger soft slabs one to two feet in depth on lee slopes at mid and upper elevations. Triggered loose sloughs have the potential to develop to dangerous size particularly in chutes, ravines or terrain traps. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate.
