At the upper elevations new snow is accumulating on good sliding surfaces. Shallow slides involving the new snow are possible on steep slopes and in cliff areas. Below an elevation of 8,000 feet rain is falling on areas of loose unconsolidated snow. Wet slides are possible on very steep terrain features.
Areas of rain soaked snow exist below an elevation of 8,000 feet. Wet slides are possible on very steep terrain features. These slides could be triggered by humans or release naturally and could step down to the ground.
At the upper elevations small pockets of wind slab formed by southwest winds and loose snow sluffs could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into cliff areas and steep avalanche starting zones. These pockets could be up to a foot in depth.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The next storm system will bring a mix of rain and snow to the region. Precipitation will begin overnight and continue through the day. The freezing level is expected to be around 7,500 feet. Upper elevations could receive three to six inches of new snow by Thursday evening. Valley locations will experience rain showers. Winds will be southwest to south at 10 to 20 miles per hour.At the lower elevations rain showers falling upon wet loose snow could create a wet snow avalanche hazard. At the upper elevations dense new snow will fall upon hard crust and dry loose snow. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW in the morning. It could increase to MODERATE if rainfall totals become significant at the lower elevations and if snowfall totals exceed the forecast amounts at the upper elevations.
