The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 8,000 feet. There, skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind-loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas could trigger slab avalanches. Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Surface slabs, one to two feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers on a variety of aspects in steep terrain. These slabs have been formed by southwest, northwest, northeast and east-southeast ridgetop winds.
On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, some potential persists for humans to triggered hard slabs to the ground with depths to four feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Inverted temperatures will continue on New Year's Day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero as the valleys drop back into the negative teens. Mountain highs will be near 20, and the lower elevations will climb into the teens. Easterly ridgetop winds will back to the north at 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 8,000 feet on Wednesday. Slab avalanches, one to three feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will decrease with a drop in elevation. The snowpack is mostly stable below 8,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
