Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist and present a real hazard to recreational users of the backcountry. Human triggered and naturally released avalanches are very likely. Well-developed persistent weak layers are present in the snowpack. These buried weak layers are variable in their distribution with respect to aspect, elevation and extent of development in specific avalanche paths. New snow and wind is increasing the load on those weak layers and increasing the hazard. Slope specific assessment of the hazard is complex if not an impossible task. The additional snow will increase the size of this storm’s avalanche events and therefor increase the consequences of being caught. During the previous two days numerous human and naturally released avalanches have occurred in avalanche starting zones that range in elevation from 7,500 to 11,400 feet. Starting zones in the 7,500 to 9,500 foot elevations have been especially active. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED DURING PERIODS OF HIGH HAZARD.
Slab avalanches formed by westerly winds are very likely to be human triggered or release naturally on a variety of aspects above an elevation of 7,500 and can flow down into the lower elevations. These slabs are expected to be two to four feet deep at the upper elevations and one to two feet deep below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow will return to the region as a stream of moisture moves across Oregon and northern Utah. Snow is expected to develop overnight and continue into Tuesday. Total storm accumulations of 8 to 17 inches are possible. Winds will be westerly at 20 to 25 with gusts from 35 to 40 miles per hour. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens.The new snow and winds will be increasing the load on a snowpack with persistent weak layers that have very recently produced avalanches. Conditions will continue to be dangerous above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely on a variety of aspects and terrain features. Expert terrain and snowpack evaluation skills and restraint will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. The additional snow will increase the size of this storm’s avalanche events and therefor increase the consequences of being caught. The general avalanche is expected to be CONSIDRABLE in the morning and may increase to HIGH.
