West Slopes Central

Avalanches are unlikely, but if the wind transports more snow than expected you may encounter small wind drifted slabs at higher elevations. Likewise, if we get sunnier and warmer conditions than planned for, precariously perched blocks of snow and small wet avalanches may run downslope. Variable crusts on east, south and west aspects and even north below about 5200ft means challenging travel will probably be the most dangerous part of your day. 

There's a good chance you won't be able to trigger an avalanche on Wednesday. However, it has been windy and observations are limited so there's a chance that you could find small reactive wind slabs on upper elevation slopes. If you make it out to areas where you actually find soft snow, dig down to investigate bonding in any wind slabs to determine if you might trigger an avalanche on a steep slope. If there are any reactive slabs, they'll likely be small. 

Freezing lines are expected to reach about 6000ft, and we can expect to see partial sun on Wednesday. Considering the previously warmer temperatures and more intense sunlight of Monday, we don't expect there to be enough warming to cause wet loose avalanche activity on Wednesday. If it gets hotter than expected and snow gets wet and sloppy, wet avalanches or soggy blocks of snow perched on rocks might come tumbling down. You can expect to see half an inch of snow or light rain Tuesday night. We don't expect the small amount of precipitation and other weather factors to change the avalanche conditions much for Wednesday. If anything, some lower elevation and south facing crusts may soften a little. 

Your main concern on Wednesday is challenging travel conditions. Below 5200ft on all aspects, a surface crust exists. This crust is breakable or solid depending on where you go, making for difficult travel no matter which form of transport you choose on Wednesday. Below about 4800ft, you'll start finding runnels and more textured surfaces. There's also an abundance of tree bomb holes adding to the assortment of variable surfaces. Snow is at least still soft and dry on upper elevation shady slopes.