The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet and LOW below that elevation. Areas of unstable snow exist at the upper elevations. Strong north to northwest winds have redistributed available snow and loaded lee slopes. These winds and previous winds from the southwest to west have formed wind slabs. These slabs lie upon a base of faceted snow that is most developed on steep, northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and lower elevations.
At the upper elevations pockets of wind slab one to two feet in depth could be triggered by humans in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be mostly clear with areas of morning valley fog. Temperatures will drop into the single digits below zero overnight and rise into the teens on Monday. Winds will be northwesterly at 10 to 20 miles per hour.Areas of unstable snow exist at the upper elevations. Slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and lower elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations and LOW at the mid and lower elevations.
