The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet. Strong winds earlier in the week have created surface slabs on a variety of aspects. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep terrain and have some potential to step down to the ground on steep, northerly aspects at the highest elevations. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 7,500 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Above 7,500 feet, dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth were formed by southwest to northwest winds. These slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep, wind-loaded avalanche starting zones.
Some potential may persist for humans to trigger hard slab avalanches with depths to three feet on steep, north-facing slopes above 9,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect cloud cover to increase overnight and through the day on Wednesday as a Pacific trough approaches the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the mid-20s during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour.On Wednesday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet. There, backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind-loaded terrain could trigger surface slabs with depths of one to three feet. The likelihood of triggering these slides will decrease with a drop in elevation, and avalanches are unlikely below 7,500 feet.
