A high impact storm will rapidly increase the avalanche hazard at all elevations. The general avalanche hazard will be MODERATE in the morning, increase to CONSIDERABLE and then to HIGH. New wind slabs will form on slick old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by humans and release spontaneously. These slabs will load a snowpack that has poor structure and cause deep slab avalanches to release spontaneously or be easily triggered by humans on buried layers of weak faceted snow. Monitor conditions closely and expect dangerous conditions to rapidly develop during the afternoon. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during the afternoon hours.
Strong west winds and new snow will create surface slabs that will gain depth and volume as the day progresses. These slabs are expected to increase to depths of one to two feet. They will be forming on slick and weak old snow surfaces and are likely to be easliy triggered by humans. Natural releases are likely.
Todays new snow and wind will rapidly load weak layers that persist deep within the snowpack and create very dangerous, unstable conditions. Large, full depth, slab avalanches with crown depths of four to six feet are likely to be triggered by humans or release naturally as this rapid loading occurs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A significant storm system will impact our area as a low pressure system moves towards the region in a zonal flow. Snowfall will begin before dawn. The heaviest snowfall and winds are expected during the afternoon and evening hours when warm moist air moves in from the Pacific, ahead of a passing cold front. Temperatures will warm well into the 20s in the mountains during the day. Rain may mix with snow in some lower elevation locations. West winds will average 25 to 35 with gusts to near 60 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard will increase at all elevations as the day progresses. The hazard will be MOERATE during the early morning hours and will increase to CONSIDERABLE. Strong west winds will create wind slabs on slick old snow surfaces and rapidly load an existing snowpack with poor structure and weak persistent layers. Surface slabs up to two feet in depth are likely to be easily triggered by humans and release naturally. In areas with poor snowpack structure these slabs could step down to the ground with depths of four to six feet. Monitor conditions closely and expect dangerous conditions to rapidly develop during the afternoon hours.
