The general avalanche hazard is moderate above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Up there, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches up to 2 feet in depth on steep avalanche prone slopes. These slabs lie upon a persistent weak layer and could be triggered by the first person to cross a slope or after a slope has been crossed multiple times. Assess the snowpack carefully and practice safe travel techniques. The hazard is low below an elevation of 7,500 feet where slab avalanches are unlikely.
Temperatures this morning are up to 12 degrees warmer at elevation than they were yesterday morning. Today's warm conditions may increase the likelihood for humans to trigger slab avalanches. These effects may be most pronounced in upper elevation sunlit cirques and basins.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Christmas day will be dry. Expect skies to be clear above areas of morning valley fog. Clouds will increase in the evening. Temperatures will be inverted. The overnight lows are expected to be near or below zero in the valleys and in the low teens in the mountains. Daytime highs will rise into the 20’s.Avalanche conditions remain dangerous on steep slopes above an elevation of 7,500 feet where the general avalanche hazard will be considerable. Large slab avalanches up to three in depth have recently failed on a persistent weak layer and can be triggered by the weight of a single person. These killer slabs could be triggered by the first person to cross a slope or after a slope has been crossed multiple times. Assess terrain carefully and make conservative choices. The general avalanche hazard will be low below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
