Human triggered avalanches remain possible above 7500 feet where the lower portion of the snowpack is comprised of weak faceted snow. The distribution of this layer is widespread and also mixed with crusts on slopes with a southerly component to their aspect. Accumulating light snow today will slightly increase load on this weakness and therefore its sensitivity, as well as provide for the chance for loose snow sloughing on very steep slopes. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations except on isolated terrain features. Cautious route finding and terrain choices remain essential to safe backcountry travel.
At the mid and upper elevations slab avalanches up to two feet feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A low pressure system located off of the California coast and is moving towards the region. It will bring increasing chances of snow over the southern portions of our forecast zone this evening. This snowfall will move from north to south after midnight and into the morning hours. Snow will end from south to north during the day. Accumulations of 3 to 6 inches are likely at the higher elevations. One to three inches are possible at the lower elevations. Winds will remain light at 5 to 10 miles per hour and will back to the south and southeast and then veer to the southwest and west as the snowfall ends. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s.At the mid and upper elevations large slab avalanches could be triggered by humans who venture onto steep slopes with poor snow structure. A careful evaluation of the snowpack and conservative terrain choices are warranted. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation.
