Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Although the snowpack is mostly stable, isolated pockets of shallow wind slab exist at the higher elevations. These wind slabs pose a threat to backcountry travelers venturing into cliff areas, steep chutes and other extreme terrain features.
In wind affected terrain above 9,000 feet, isolated pockets of wind slab rest on sun crusts and faceted snow formed during the early January dry spell. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs in very steep, avalanche-prone terrain to depths of 12 inches. These small slides have the potential to sweep skiers or riders into trees, over cliff bands or into terrain traps.
The large ridge of high pressure that has been centered over the eastern Pacific and the west coast will shift east overnight. This will result in a decrease in moisture and begin to bring warmer air in aloft. On Wednesday skies will be mostly sunny with the potential for areas of morning valley fog. Temperatures at daybreak are forecast to be in the single digits above zero at the higher elevations and near ten below in the valleys. Daytime highs will rise into the 20s in the mountains and into the mid teens in the valleys. Winds will be north to northwest at 25 to 35 miles per hour along the higher ridge crests.Strong northerly winds will create isolated pockets of shallow wind slab along the highest ridge lines. At the upper elevations humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones, cliff areas and other extreme terrain features could trigger small pockets of wind slab six to 18 inches deep. These small slides could sweep skiers or riders over cliffs, down very steep slopes or into trees. Aside from these isolated pockets of shallow wind slab the snowpack is mostly stable and the general avalanche hazard is therefore expected to be LOW.
