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. )High pressure will keep skies mostly clear on Wednesday. Temperatures inversions will strengthen overnight with valley lows in the mid negative 20s. Mountain temperatures will be around 15 degrees warmer. Northerly to northeasterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 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. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
