The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations, and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet. Weak layers of buried surface hoar and well developed faceted snow are potential sliding surfaces that persist within the snowpack. Slab avalanches could be human triggered on steep slopes and have the potential to step down to deeper layers. Suspect terrain includes cliff areas, and steep unsupported slopes that were windloaded during the past storm cycle. Snowmobilers who are high marking steep-walled cirques and basins are the most likely potential triggers. Due to widespread spacial variability in the distribution of these weak layers, careful evaluation of the terrain and snowpack is essential.
Surface slabs up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, windloaded avalanche starting zones, and have the potential to step down to depths of four feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A northwesterly flow continues over the area. Some light snowfall is possible tonight with accumulations of less than an inch. On Monday skies will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of scattered snow showers. Temperatures will rise into the 20s. Winds will be westerly at 15 to 25 miles per hour.Weak layers of faceted snow persist within the snowpack. Slab avalanches up to two feet in depth could be human triggered on steep slopes and have the potential to step down to depths of four feet. These slabs are most likely to be triggered by high marking snowmobilers in steep walled cirques and basins and skiers or riders who venture into cliff areas and very steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations and LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
