At the mid and upper elevations, dense surface slabs and deep hard slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. The additional load of the recent snowfall has increased the likelihood for humans to trigger dangerous, deep slabs in areas with poor snowpack structure. Once weak crusts breakdown, wet slides could occur at the lower elevations. Safe travel procedures and conservative terrain choices are essential today. Any extended periods of sunshine will increase the likelihood of these avalanche problems.
Soft surface slabs up to 30 inches in depth could be triggered by humans who venture onto avalanche prone slopes. These slabs could step down and trigger dangerous persistent deep slabs in areas with poor snowpack structure.
Dangerous hard slabs, with depths to six feet, could be triggered on steep slopes where persistent layers of weak faceted snow exist within the snowpack. These dangerous slabs could be triggered on slopes that have been crossed multiple times by other riders or skiers.
Near freezing overnight temperatures, along with latent heat in the snowpack, will keep wet slides possible at the lower elevations once snow surfaces soften.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light, scattered snowfall is possible tonight and Wednesday, along with periods of sunshine during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 20 before rising into the upper 20s during the day. Valleys lows should drop below freezing before rising to near 40 during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE on Wednesday. Backcountry travelers could trigger dense wind slabs with depths of one to three feet in steep, wind-loaded avalanche starting zones. Large, dangerous hard slabs up to eight feet in depth could also be triggered by skiers and riders in areas where weak layers of faceted snow persist within the snowpack. At the lower elevations, warm temperatures and latent heat in the snowpack will keep wet slides possible.
