Large to very large deep slab avalanches continue to be a serious hazard at the upper elevations. These dangerous slides could be triggered by the weight of a single person even after an avalanche starting zone or slide path has been crossed multiple times by others. Surface slabs also present a hazard at the mid and upper elevations. Conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
At the mid and upper elevations wind slabs formed by southwest to west-northwest winds could be human triggered with depths from one to three feet in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones.
Deep slabs lie upon a hard October rain crust and a persistent weak layer. These very dangerous slides could be triggered by the weight of a person with depths to five feet. Surviving one of these slides is unlikely.
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.
