The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. The snow that fell during the last storm cycle continues to consolidate and slowly bond to the October snow surfaces. The interface between that new snow and the areas where the buried October snow surface was faceted is still a concern in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain. Some potential remains for humans to trigger large slab avalanches in active avalanche paths and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet.
Large slab avalanches formed by west to southwest winds could be human triggered on old snow surfaces on west through north to east aspects at the upper elevations and on northerly aspects down to an elevation of 8,500 feet. These slabs could be up to three feet deep at the upper elevations and up to two feet deep at the mid elevations.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An upper level trough in the eastern Pacific is on the approach. Moisture ahead of that system will begin to stream into the region by tomorrow afternoon. Snow is forecast to develop above an elevation of 7,500 and then descend to the valley level in the evening. Increasing clouds are forecast during the day. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 increasing to 20 with gusts to 25 miles per hour. Temperatures will drop into the teens overnight and rise into the 30s during the day.The general avalanche hazard is forecast to remain MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. Some potential remains for humans to trigger large slab avalanches in active avalanche paths and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet. There the hazard will be LOW.
