Warm temperatures continue to drive rapid settlement of the approximately four feet of snow that was received over the last week. In colder terrain that faces northerly to northeasterly above 8500 feet, this recent snow lies upon old snow surfaces. On steep wind loaded slopes in this terrain, the potential continues for skiers or riders to trigger slab avalanches. If triggered these slabs have the potential to seriously injure someone given the shallow snowpack and the associated hazards. Below 8500 feet avalanches are unlikely except for the chance for wet loose slides to occur this afternoon, particularly on very steep banks and road cuts.
In steep terrain, where wind blown snow lies on old crusts and depth hoar the potential continues to trigger soft slab avalanches with depths of one to three feet. These slabs will be more sensitive this afternoon when they are further weakened by increasing temperatures.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow showers and cloud cover will continue to dissipate overnight as high pressure temporarily moves in. Tuesday will be mostly clear and breezy with south to southwest winds averaging fifteen to twenty miles per hour. Temperature will reach into the thirties at higher elevations and into the upper forties in the valleys. The avalanche danger will be Moderate above 8500 feet tomorrow. In steep terrain where recent snow lies upon old crusts and depth hoar, the possibility exists for backcountry skiers or riders to trigger soft slab avalanches with depths to two feet. These slabs will be more sensitive as the day progresses as they are weakened by warming temperatures and sunlight. Avalanches below 8500 are unlikely except for wet loose slides in very steep terrain such as road cuts.
