The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 7,500 feet. There, the primary concern remains the possibility of triggering dense, persistent slabs. In steep, avalanche-prone terrain, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger very shallow soft slabs involving the new snow, which are building on firm old snow surfaces. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Dense slabs, one to two feet in depth lie upon a buried layer of surface hoar. Skiers and riders might still be able to trigger these slabs in isolated areas.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will continue to increase this evening with a mix of rain and snow beginning tonight. By Wednesday morning, precipitation will transition to snow as mountain temperatures dip into the low 20s. Daytime highs in the mountains will be in the mid-20s. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will veer to the west at 10 to 20 miles.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Wednesday. New, shallow surface slabs will build on warm snow and develop right-side-up. Backcountry travelers might be able to trigger these slabs in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain at the higher elevations. A persistent weak layer of surface hoar still remains a concern in isolated areas above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders could trigger slabs up to two feet deep on this weak layer, either directly or indirectly from new slabs stepping down.
