Heavy snowfall at the highest elevations, rain at the lower elevations and strong winds are increasing the avalanche hazard. At the upper elevations dense wind slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person on steep wind loaded slopes. Wet slides are possible on steep slopes below an elevation of 9,000 feet. These slides could gouge down to the ground. Evaluate terrain and conditions carefully.
At the higher elevations southwest winds have formed dense wind slabs on leeward aspects. On steep slopes these slabs could be triggered by humans. These slabs could be up to two feet deep and will be gaining depth and may become more sensitive to failure as temperatures increase and additional snow loading occurs. These avalanches will be big enough to cause serious injury and bury people.
Warm temperatures and rain have increased the wet snow avalanche hazard. Dangerous wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes, in gullies and in active avalanche paths. These wet slides could dig down to the ground. Careful terrain assessment and snowpack evaluation skills are essential.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snow in the mountains will become steadier and heavier through the evening and continue through Tuesday night. Snow will levels will begin rather high, around 9000 feet then gradually fall to around 7500 to 8000 feet tonight. Snow levels will then gradually lower to the valley floors by Tuesday night. Winds will remain gusty and strong at times this evening but decrease gradually tonight. The heaviest snow is expected in the northern zones through Tuesday morning and then may shift into the southern zones later Tuesday into Tuesday night. Twenty-four precipitation totals could be 4 to 8 inches at 10,000 feet with up to a half inch of rain possible at the lower elevations. Temperatures will remain in the upper 20s at elevation and be in the mid-30s overnight and rise into the 40s at the lower elevations. Winds will be from the southwest at 25 to 15 miles per hour with higher gusts. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate. Fresh winds slabs up to two feet in depth formed by southwest to west winds could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep upper elevation avalanche starting zones. Wet snow avalanches will be possible on steep terrain features at the lower elevations. These wet slides could release naturally and gouge down to the ground.
