Pockets of dense wind slab up to two feet in depth exist in steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations. These surface slabs lie upon hard snow surfaces and could be human triggered in steep terrain with fresh deposits of wind blown snow. At the lower elevations rain and warm temperatures have created some potential for wet slides to occur on very steep slopes, especially if significant additional rainfall occurs.
Pockets of dense wind slab formed by south and west winds exist in steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These wind slabs are up to two feet in depth and could be triggered by riders or skiers.
Wet slides are possible on very steep slopes at the lower elevations where rain and warm temperatures have combined to create an unstable isothermal snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A moist spring storm system will pass over the area. Moisture in the form of convective snow showers in the mountains and rain showers in the valleys will continue to impact the region. At the upper elevations six to nine inches of new snow accumulation is likely during the next 24 hours. Winds are forecast to be southwest to west at speeds of five to ten miles per hour overnight and veer to the northwest on Sunday and increase to speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour. Temperatures at 10,500 feet will drop into the lower 20s overnight and rise into the upper 20s on Sunday. Temperatures in the valleys will drop into the upper 20s overnight and rise to near 40 on Sunday.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the higher elevations where pockets of soft slab up to two feet in depth lie upon hard old snow surfaces. These slabs could be triggered by skiers or riders in very steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. The general avalanche hazard at the lower elevations is anticipated to be LOW.
