Above 9,000 feet, backcountry travelers could possibly trigger slab avalanches 12 to 30 inches in depth. In most areas below that elevation, avalanches are unlikely. Keep in mind, the snow coverage is still thin, and even a small slide could have high consequences.
Several inches of new snow and strong winds have continued to load leeward slopes and form wind slabs along ridgelines and terrain features.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Overnight, temperatures will continue to cool and valley rain will change to snow. The mountains are expected to receive 1 to 4 inches of snow by the morning and then another few inches tomorrow. Southwesterly winds will be 15 to 30 miles per hour with higher ridgetop gusts. Mountain temperatures will range from the teens to the 20s and valleys will climb into the 30s. The avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 9,000, and below that elevation Low. At the upper elevations, backcountry travelers could possibly trigger slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet in depth. In most areas below 9,000 feet, avalanches are unlikely. Keep in mind, the snow coverage is still thin, and even a small slide could have high consequences.
