Additional snowfall has brought storm totals since Saturday to approximately 18 inches. Strong west to southwest winds have transported this snow to create wind slabs in steep terrain, particularly above 8500 feet. On all but south facing terrain, these slabs lie upon old, hard snow surfaces and could be triggered by backcountry skiers or riders. If initiated, these slabs have the potential to carry someone into terrain that has a high likelihood of injury given the early season conditions. Exercise caution in order to enjoy the long winter ahead.
Wind has formed sensitive soft slabs that could be human triggered with depths to eighteen inches. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity as they are loaded by continued snowfall today.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will increase in intensity this evening with higher snowfall rates to continue through noon tomorrow. Expect another three to six inches in the mountains while valleys receive one to four inches. Snow showers will persist through the afternoon. Temperatures are to reach the teens in the mountains and the twenties in the valleys. Winds are to continue to be strong with averages of twenty to twenty five miles per hour from the west. The general avalanche hazard will remain Low above 9000 feet, however wind slabs will continue to form and grow in size. Although still small, these slabs lie upon hard snow surfaces on all but south facing terrain and could be triggered by backcountry skiers. These slabs are easily avoided by looking for wind loading and questioning any area where the snowpack looks deep. Remember that terrain hazards are everywhere in a shallow snowpack so being carried by even small slab could still cause injury. Below 9000 feet the snowpack remains too shallow for avalanche consideration.
