The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet. There, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches in steep, wind-loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Surface slabs, one to two feet in depth, could be human triggered in steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations. Some potential may persist for these slabs to step down, with depths to three feet, to firm crusts that formed during a dry period in early December.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure will keep skies mostly clear on Wednesday. Temperatures inversions will strengthen overnight with valley lows in the mid negative 20s. Mountain temperatures will be around 15 degrees warmer. Northerly to northeasterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 7,500 feet on Wednesday. Slab avalanches, one to three feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
