The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE this morning and CONSIDERABLE in the afternoon. Skiers and riders could trigger recently developed surface slabs in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Persistent slabs still warrant some concern. As the warms, the likelihood of triggering these slides will increase, particularly on sunlit aspects.
Backcountry travelers could trigger dense surface slabs from one to three feet deep in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Due to the density of these slides, the consequences of being caught are higher than typically expected with slides of these depths. While the distribution of these slides is becoming more isolated, all aspects remain suspect.
On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger hard slab avalanches failing on faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. Crown depths to five feet are possible.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect partly cloudy to mostly clear skies on Wednesday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper teens before rising into the mid-30s during the day. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.Backcountry travelers could trigger dense surface slabs one to four feet deep in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to release these slabs. As the day warms, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE during the morning hours and increase to CONSIDERABLE during the day.
