At the higher elevations strong gusty winds and periods of heavy snowfall will be increasing the hazard and creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanche activity is possible and human triggered avalanches are likely on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. A careful evaluation of the terrain and snowpack are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an levation of 7,500 feet except on isolated terrain features.
Strong westerly winds will be rapidly loading avalanche starting zones and could trigger the release of large natural avalanche events. Humans who venture onto steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes could easily trigger a large slab avalanche. These dangerous avalanches could be up to two feet deep. Once released they could dig down to buried weak layers and run long distances.
At the higher elevations large to very large persistent slab avalanches with depths from 2 to 4 feet could release naturally or be human triggered on a variety of aspects. If triggered these destructive slides could run full path.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The next pulse of moisture will bring moderate snowfall to the area that will start this evening and continue until tomorrow afternoon. New snowfall amounts of 6 to 12 inches are likely in the mountains with 3 to 6 inches in the valleys. Temperatures will be mostly in the single digits and teens. Winds will be from the west-northwest with gusts for 40 to 50 miles per hour along the higher ridge crests and cause areas of blowing and drifting snow.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable at the higher elevations. Strong winds will build wind slabs on leeward aspects and increase the load on persistent weak layers. Skiers and riders could easily trigger wind slabs 1 to 3 feet deep in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Dangerous persistent slab avalanches 2 to 5 feet could also be triggered on avalanche prone slopes. A careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain and conservative terrain choices are warranted.
