New snow and winds will be increasing the avalanche hazard at higher elevations (above an elevation of 8,500 feet). Strong southwest winds and new snow are loading buried layers of faceted snow. Large persistent slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by the weight of a single person, could be triggered remotely and may release naturally. At the highest elevations, new wind slabs are forming on leeward aspects and could be sensitive to human triggers. Once triggered these fresh surface slabs could step down to buried weak layers. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard. Excellent terrain evaluation and route selection skills, a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of persistent weak layers and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Persistent weak layers that formed during an extended drought period in November will be stressed by today's added load and may produce dangerous slab avalanches. As the day progresses the likelihood for humans to trigger large slab avalanches will increase. These dangerous avalanches could be up to three feet deep. To avoid avalanche hazard it is important to identify where the old weak snow exists.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall will develop overnight and continue into the day before gradually ending Sunday night. Southwest winds will increase to 20 to 25 with gusts to 35, begin to veer to the northwest and create areas of blowing snow. Temperatures in the mountains will remain in the 20’s until after the passage of a cold front tomorrow evening. New snow and strong winds will be creating dangerous and increasing avalanche hazards. At the mid and upper elevations, the danger rating is expected to be considerable and on the increase. New snow and drifting snow could cause natural avalanche activity on buried persistent weak layers and be increasing the likelihood for humans to trigger large to very large slab avalanches. On leeward aspects strong winds southwest winds will be forming new soft slabs. The general avalanche hazard at the lower elevations is expected to be low but also on the increase. Safe travel in avalanche terrain will require excellent terrain and route-finding skills, a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of the November drought surface and conservative terrain choices.
