Stronger winds and new snowfall will combine to increase the hazard today, especially at the higher elevations. Human triggered slab avalanches are likely in steep terrain at the upper elevations and possible at the mid elevations. At the lower elevations avalanche activity is anticipated to be limited to isolated pockets of shallow soft slab less than a foot in depth.
Winds that are currently from the southwest and previously from the northeast have created surface slabs on a variety of aspects. Surface slabs, one to three feet in depth, could be easily triggered by humans in steep terrain today at the upper elevations. Pockets of surface slab, one to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones at the mid elevations.
Cold arctic air will continue to filter into the region overnight. Some areas of light snowfall are possible. Clearing skies are expected on Monday. Winds will be light from the northeast. Temperatures will be in the single digits during the day and fall well below zero by Tuesday morning.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations. Slab avalanches, one to three feet in depth could be triggered by humans in steep terrain. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
