Slab avalanches could be human triggered in steep terrain at the upper elevations. The sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers will increase as the day warms and while the skies are sunny. These small slabs are especially dangerous in very steep terrain and cliff areas. Shallow wet loose slides are possible on very steep sunlit slopes if skies remain mostly sunny. A careful evaluation of the snow pack and terrain is essential. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Southwest to west-northwest winds have formed wind slabs up to 12 inches in depth. These slabs could be human triggered in steep terrain above an elevation of 8,500 feet, especially during the warmest portion of the day.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A northwest flow with very limited moisture will support some light snow showers over the mountains. Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy. Overnight temperatures will drop into the teens. Daytime highs will rise into the 20s and 30s in the mountains and into the 40s in the valleys. Winds will be west to south at 10 to 20 miles per hour. Slab avalanches up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain at the upper elevations and in very steep, isolated terrain features at the mid elevations. These slabs will become increasingly sensitive to human triggers during periods of sunshine and the warmer portion of the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE from an elevation of 9,000 to 10,500 feet and low below that elevation.
