Up to 10 inches of dense new snow with over an inch of moisture has fallen in the mountains and the valleys have experienced a mix of rain and snow. Strong west-southwest winds and rapid loading since 10 PM have created unstable conditions. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanche activity is possible. At the lower elevations shallow pockets of wind slab and shallow wet slides are possible in isolated areas.
Dense wind slabs up to two feet in depth are likely to be human triggered in steep wind, loaded avalanche starting zones and have potential to release naturally. These slabs could fail on density differences within the recent new snow or on hard old snow surfaces and were formed by west-southwest winds.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Steady snowfall will continue overnight before gradually decreasing Tuesday morning. Additional accumulations of 6 to 10 inches in the mountains and 2 to 5 inches in the valleys are expected by noon tomorrow. Temperatures in the mountains will remain in the 20s overnight and on Tuesday. Valley temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 20s to mid-30s. Strong southwest winds will create areas of blowing snow at all elevations. Speeds of 35 to 55 are forecast for the summits. Gusts from 20 to 30 miles per hour are likely in the valleys. Dryer conditions are expected in the afternoon and evening. Strong southwest winds will create unstable surface slabs that will be sensitive to human triggers in steep terrain. These surface slabs could attain depths of one to two feet and could fail on density differences within the recent new snow and on slick old snow surfaces. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations and MODERATE at the mid and lower elevations.
