Humans could trigger large slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain at the higher elevations. These slab avalanches could be large enough to bury and kill a skier or rider. Even small avalanches in extreme terrain can cause significant injuries. Warm temperatures and sunshine will increase the wet snow avalanche hazard. Wet slides are possible on steep sunlit aspects at all elevations and on all aspects at the mid and lower elevations after snow surfaces soften. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and be ready to adjust travel plans, especially if rapid warming of the snow surfaces is occurring.
At the higher elevations skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche starting zones and avalanche prone terrain features could trigger dense slab avalanches 1 to 2 feet in depth. These slabs were formed by south to southwest winds and may become more sensitive to human triggers during the warmer portion of the day.
Wet slides are possible, especially during the warmest portion of the day. At the higher elevations these slides are possible on steep sunlit aspects and will likely only involve the recent new snow. At the mid and lower elevations these slides could dig down to older snow layers on very steep slopes where today's warm temperatures and heat create areas of unconsolidated, iso-thermal snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The low pressure to the west is forecast to slowly move into the Great Basin. Conditions will be mostly dry overnight. A weak weather system will move through the region on Tuesday and bring some light precipitation to the area. The higher elevations can expect small amounts of dense new snow. A mix of light rain and snow is possible in the valleys. Winds will be light from the southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. Temperatures will drop into the 20’s tonight and rise into the 30’s and 40’s during the day.At the upper elevations humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones could trigger soft slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet in depth. Wet slides are possible at the lower elevations and on steep sunlit slopes at all elevations if periods of sunshine occur and during the warmest portion of the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate.
