In steep terrain at the higher elevations snowmobilers and skiers could trigger large persistent slab avalanches on older buried layers of faceted snow. New snow will begin to accumulate on recently formed sun crust and areas of well-developed surface hoar. As the day progresses shallow, new snow sloughs may occur on very steep slopes and in cliff areas. Shallow, pockets of new wind slab may begin to develop in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard and carefully evaluate terrain and the snowpack. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
In steep terrain above an elevation of 7,500 feet persistent slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet in depth could be triggered by humans on buried weak layers of faceted snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A couple of weak systems will move through the region and bring periods of light snow to the mountains. Accumulations of an inch or so are possible overnight with another couple of inches likely by Wednesday evening. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s. Southerly winds will veer to the southwest and be light at 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate at the mid and upper elevations (7,500 to 10,500 feet) on Wednesday. Large slab avalanches with depths from 1 to 3 feet could be human triggered on steep slopes. The failure planes for these avalanches would be weak buried layers of faceted snow. Evaluate terrain and the snowpack carefully. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be low.
