The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the mid and upper elevations skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches in steep terrain. Avalanches are not expected at the lower elevations.
Pockets of dense to hard slabs lie upon persistent weakness such as surface hoar. A chance remains for these slabs to be released with depths up to two feet in steep terrain, especially in and around cliff areas.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A high pressure ridge will continue to dictate our weather regime. Skies are expected to be mostly clear above areas of morning valley fog. Temperatures will again drop into the teens in the mountains and to near zero in the valleys overnight. Daytime temperatures will be slightly warmer than today and approach 30 degrees in the mountains. Winds will back towards the southwest and remain light.The potential for humans to trigger slab avalanches at the mid and upper elevations is slowly decreasing. This decrease is attributed to a gradual decrease in the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers and to the concept that areas of unstable snow are becoming increasingly isolated in distribution. That said some potential may persist for humans to trigger slab avalanches up to two feet in depth in steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
