Westerly winds have increased and will create areas of blowing snow along the higher ridge crests. Monitor conditions and carefully assess terrain choices. Skiers and riders could trigger pockets of wind slab at the upper elevations. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid elevations except in isolated terrain features. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
At the upper elevations pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones, cliff area and steep couloirs.
Snow will continue overnight and decrease by mid-day. Accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are likely during this period. Localized areas could receive 7 to 9 inches. Temperatures will remain in the 20s in the mountains and in the 30s in the valleys. West-southwest winds will slowly decrease to around 15 miles per hour. By Tuesday evening temperatures will be rising. Snowfall will become much lighter and the snowline will rise to around 8,500 feet.The general avalanche hazard is expected to MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the higher elevations strong westerly winds have created wind-drifted deposits on leeward aspects. Surface slabs up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in very steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
