Weak layers of buried surface hoar and well developed faceted snow are potential sliding surfaces that persist within the snowpack. Slab avalanches could be human triggered on steep slopes and have the potential to step down to deeper layers. Suspect terrain includes but is not limited to cliff areas and steep unsupported slopes that were windloaded during the past storm cycle. Due to widespread spacial variability in the distribution of these weak layers, careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain is essential.
Surface slabs up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, windloaded avalanche starting zones and have the potential to step down to depths of four feet.
A weak upper level disturbance will move through the area and bring light snowfall to the region that will be accompanied by strong west winds and milder temperatures. Accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are possible in favored upper elevation locations by Tuesday night. On Tuesday skies will be cloudy with light snowfall and areas of blowing snow. Winds will be westerly at 25 with gusts to 50 miles per hour. Temperatures will be in the 20s. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations. Slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be human triggered on buried layers of weak faceted snow and could step down to depths of four feet. Due to widespread variability in the distribution of these weak layers, careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain is essential. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
