Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist today. Heavy snow and very strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs and further loaded avalanche paths with deep persistent instabilities in the snowpack. Either of these types of avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a single person or release naturally as they are further loaded by continued snowfall and wind throughout the day. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Wind slabs formed by very strong southwest winds could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. At higher elevations these slabs will be most sensitive with depths to three feet. At lower elevations, slabs to one foot are possible. The sensitivity and size of these slabs will increase as the day progresses.
Very dangerous slides could be triggered by the weight of a person or release naturally with depths to five feet today. Large slabs lie upon a hard October rain crust and a persistent weak layer on certain aspects. If initiated, surviving one of these slides is unlikely.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The strong storm system is to bring heavy snowfall during the day with highs in the mountains reaching the mid-twenties and the valleys reaching near thirty degrees. Ridgetop winds are to be from the southwest with 20-30 mph averages. By 5pm over a foot of new snow is expected. The general avalanche hazard will increase to HIGH on Wednesday. Large and dangerous avalanches could release naturally or by the weight of a single person on west, north, and east aspects at higher elevations. Wind slabs could also be triggered with one to three foot depths in wind loaded areas. The avalanche hazard will increase as the day progresses. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of high hazard.
