Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Although the snowpack is mostly stable, isolated pockets of shallow wind slab exist at the higher elevations. These wind slabs pose a threat to backcountry travelers venturing into cliff areas and other extreme terrain features.
In wind affected terrain above 9,000 feet, isolated pockets of wind slab lie upon sun crusts and faceted snow formed during the early January dry spell. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs in very steep, avalanche prone terrain to depths of 12 inches. These small slides have the potential to sweep skiers and riders over cliff bands or into terrain traps.
A north flow aloft will bring some light snow to the mid and upper elevations Monday night into Tuesday. Mountain temperatures will be near five degrees below zero Tuesday morning then warm well into the teens. Ridgetop winds will be northwesterly overnight at 25 miles per hour then northerly Tuesday at 30.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW at all elevations on Tuesday. Low hazard does not mean no hazard. At the upper elevations, backcountry travelers on very steep, wind-loaded terrain could trigger isolated pockets of wind slab six to twelve inches deep. Triggered slides pose a threat to skiers and riders in extreme terrain where they could be swept over cliff bands or into terrain traps.
