The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Shallow pockets of wind slab formed by west-southwest winds exist. These surface slabs could be human triggered in very steep terrain. Increasing winds will drift available snow along the highest ridge lines and begin to create shallow pockets of new wind slab on leeward slopes. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth exist at the upper elevations and could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be partly cloudy overnight with light and variable winds. Temperature inversions will develop by morning with overnight lows near 10 degrees at 10,500 feet and in the single digits in the valleys. Warmer air will move in aloft from the west on Monday along with increasing winds. Light snow will develop in the mountains during the day and filter down to the valleys by evening. Several inches of accumulation are possible at the highest elevations by sunset. Temperatures will rise into the 20s. Southwest winds are forecast to increase to speeds of 20 with gusts to 40 miles per hour by noon. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW below an elevation on 9,000 feet. At the higher elevations the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. In the morning pockets of surface slab 6 to 12 inches in depth and up to 18 inches in depth in isolated areas could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Increasing winds during the day will drift available snow onto leeward aspects and begin to create new pockets of shallow wind slab.
