The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 8,000 feet. There, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches in very steep, wind-loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Below 8,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Surface slabs, one to two feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in very steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain above 8,000 feet. Some potential may persist for these slabs to step down, with depths to three feet, to firm crusts that formed during a dry period in early December.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Inverted temperatures will continue on New Year's Day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero as the valleys drop back into the negative teens. Mountain highs will be near 20, and the lower elevations will climb into the teens. Easterly ridgetop winds will back to the north at 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 8,000 feet on Wednesday. Slab avalanches, one to three feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will decrease with a drop in elevation. The snowpack is mostly stable below 8,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
