The recent storm brought a foot of light density snow to the higher elevations. Northwest winds continue to drift that new snow onto leeward aspects. This new snow lies upon hard old snow surfaces. At the upper elevations skiers and riders could trigger soft slab avalanches on steep avalanche prone slopes. A careful assessment of terrain and evaluation of the snow stability is necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Lesser amount of snow fell below an elevation of 9,000 feet, where isolated pockets of shallow slab could be triggered by humans in extreme terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
At the upper elevations fresh wind slabs up to two in depth, that were formed by southwest to northwest winds, could be triggered by skiers or riders in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies are expected to be partly cloudy with some isolated areas of low clouds and valley fog. Temperatures in the mountains will be in the single digits above and below zero tonight and rise into the teens during the day. Northwest winds were on the increase in the afternoon at speeds of 10 to 25 with gusts to 30 miles per hour. Winds will continue to be from the northwest and are forecast to decrease to 10 to 20 miles per hour during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations (above 9,000 feet). Up there skiers and riders could trigger soft slab avalanches one to two feet deep on steep avalanche prone slopes. Carefully assess the terrain and snowpack as the northwest winds will continue to redeposit available snow onto leeward aspects. The general avalanche hazard at the mid elevations (9,000 to 7,500 feet) is expected to be LOW. Small human triggered slab avalanches are possible in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
