The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation. In areas with poor snowpack structure unstable slabs lie upon a persistent layer of weak faceted snow and could be human triggered on steep wind loaded slopes that have not had recent slide activity. These slabs can produce large areas of debris and are especially dangerous above terrain traps. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and avoid areas of concern.
Snowmobilers and skiers could trigger dense surface slabs with crown depths of two to four feet. These slabs are most likely to be triggered on north through southeast aspects. In these conditions previous tracks on a slope should not be considered to be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The high pressure ridge that has dominated our weather during the past two weeks will collapse as an unstable zonal flow brings a potent storm with a pineapple connection and a robust jet to the region. Partial clearing will occur tonight and Tuesday with cold air settling over the region under a short lived ridge. On Tuesday skies will be clear in the morning. High thin clouds will move in aloft as the leading edge of the storm system approaches from the west. Temperatures in the morning will be in the single digits below zero to near zero and will rise into the teens to low 20s during the day. Winds will be north to west at 15 to 20 miles per hour. Snowfall is expected to develop late in the evening. On Tuesday the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation. Unstable slabs two to four feet in depth lie upon a persistent layer of weak faceted snow and could be human triggered on steep wind loaded slopes that did not slide during the last storm cycle. These slabs can produce large volumes of debris and are especially dangerous above terrain traps. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and avoid areas of concern.
