Rapid loading and strong winds are creating dangerous avalanche conditions in mid and upper elevation avalanche starting zones. The hazard will be increasing as the day progresses. Human and natural triggered avalanches are likely and may run long distances. Expert terrain evaluation and route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain this morning. Avalanche terrain including the run out zones of large avalanche paths should be avoided as the day progresses and the hazard increases.
South-southwest to west winds are building dense new slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs are forming on slick old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by humans. As the day progresses and these slabs gain depth and volume natural releases are likely, especially at the upper elevations. These slides could have crown depths to three feet and run long distances into the lower elevations.
A prolonged period of decent snowfall is expected to continue through Tuesday evening. Five to ten inches of lighter density snow may accumulate in favored areas during this period. Winds will be southwest to west at 20 to 40 with gusts to 55 miles per hour along the highest ridge crests. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s in the mountains and in the upper teens to low 30s in the valleys. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the mid and upper elevations. Dense wind slabs one to three feet in depth could be easily triggered by humans in steep avalanche starting zones. Natural avalanches are possible. Expert terrain evaluation skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are expected to be unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet where the hazard will be LOW.
