The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. Persistent slabs lie upon weak snow at the base of the snowpack on north facing aspects. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. Skiers and riders could also trigger wind slabs formed earlier in the week with depths up to 18 inches in steep, wind loaded terrain. Once initiated, these surface slabs could step down to the basal weak layer below. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 9,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above 9,000 feet. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger slab avalanches on this layer with depths to three feet. The strength of this layer is hard to predict and failure may occur after a slope is crossed several times.
At the upper elevations surface slabs up to 18 inches deep could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. On steep, northerly aspects these slabs could step down to the persistent weak layer of faceted snow near the base of the snowpack.
( 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 low 20s before rising into the mid 30s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations and LOW below 9,000 feet. Mostly stable snow exists except on steep, northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. There, skiers and riders venturing into very steep avalanche terrain could trigger slab avalanches one to three feet in depth. Previous tracks are not an indication of stability.
