The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 7,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. New snow and strong winds have combined to create dangerous avalanche conditions in the mountains. Dense surface slabs lie upon a variety of slick old snow surfaces. Dense slab avalanches could release naturally and are likely to be easily triggered by humans. On steep northerly aspects above 9,000 feet these slab avalanches could step down to the ground. Expert route finding and conservative decisions are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Strong west winds will create dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth. These slabs could release naturally and are likely to be easily triggered by humans in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain. Slab avalanches that release on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet could step down to the ground with crown depths to four feet.
Strong west winds and new snow will continue to increase the load upon deep persistent hard slabs that exist on northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These slabs could release naturally or in response to the failure of dense surface slabs or human triggers and will fail on a weak layer of faceted snow which exists at the base of the snow pack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moderate to heavy snowfall will continue overnight and into Monday. A strong cold front will blast through the area during the afternoon and evening hours. Winds will back towards the southwest ahead of the front and veer to the northwest in the evening. Winds will gust to 70 on the summits and to 40 miles per hour in the valleys. Whiteout conditions will be common. These conditions will combine to create very dangerous avalanche conditions at the mid and upper elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH. Natural avalanches are likely on a variety of aspects and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. The general avalanche hazard at the lower elevations is expected to increase to MODERATE.
