At the mid and upper elevations conditions remain dangerous. The recent new snow lies upon a persistent weak layer that has been very sensitive to human triggers. This problem layer has produced large avalanches in areas that are frequented by skiers and snowmobilers. Our early season snowpack remains shallow. Suspect slopes have bed surfaces that are not fragmented by terrain features and anchors. Whumping and collapses have been wide spread and are sure indicators of snowpack instability. Excellent terrain evaluation skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Finely tuned avalanche rescue skills are also essential. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features at the lower elevations.
Unstable conditions exist on slopes where recent new snow lies upon a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. Slab avalanches up to two feet feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person.
Snowfall will become widespread during the early evening hours. Heavier snowfall will occur after 11 PM and will continue into Wednesday morning. Snowfall rates decrease during the rest of the day. Accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible in the mountains by Wednesday afternoon. Lower elevations could receive 3 to 5 inches. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s. Winds will be from the west at 15 to 20 miles per hour.The snow structure remains poor and areas of unstable snow persist at the mid and upper elevations. New snow will be increasing the load on persistent weak layers of faceted snow. Large slab avalanches are expected to become more reactive to human triggers as loads increase. Conservative terrain choices are warranted. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation.
