Large dense, slab avalanches that could fail on crusts and faceted old snow surfaces continue to be a hazard in steep terrain on west through north to east aspects at the upper elevations and on northerly aspects above an elevation of 8,500 feet. Assessing this the stability of these slabs is problematic. Large slab avalanches with severe consequences could be triggered by the weight of a single person even though a slope may have been crossed multiple times. Snowpack stability tests may not be reliable. A conservation approach to suspect terrain is warranted. Avalanches are unlikely below 8,000 feet where little snowfall has accumulated.
Dangerous slab avalanches formed by west to southwest winds could be human triggered on old snow surfaces that formed in October. These slabs are likely to be up to five feet deep at the upper elevations and up to three feet deep in steep north facing terrain at the mid elevations.
An upper level trough in the eastern Pacific is on the approach. Moisture ahead of that system will begin to stream into the region by tomorrow afternoon. Snow is forecast to develop above an elevation of 7,500 and then descend to the valley level in the evening. Increasing clouds are forecast during the day. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 increasing to 20 with gusts to 25 miles per hour. Temperatures will drop into the teens overnight and rise into the 30s during the day.The general avalanche hazard is forecast to remain MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. Some potential remains for humans to trigger large slab avalanches in active avalanche paths and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet. There the hazard will be LOW.
