The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet. At the higher elevations strong westerly winds have redistributed recent new snow and created dense surface slabs. Small to large slab avalanches could be human triggered in very steep terrain. The snow is mostly stable below an elevation of 9,000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely except in isolated terrain features.
At the upper elevations pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones, cliff area and steep couloirs. Deeper slabs with depths to three feet could be human triggered in isolated terrain features, especially by larger triggers such as snowmachines.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow will continue overnight and decrease by mid-day. Accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are likely during this period. Localized areas could receive 7 to 9 inches. Temperatures will remain in the 20s in the mountains and in the 30s in the valleys. West-southwest winds will slowly decrease to around 15 miles per hour. By Tuesday evening temperatures will be rising. Snowfall will become much lighter and the snowline will rise to around 8,500 feet.The general avalanche hazard is expected to MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the higher elevations strong westerly winds have created wind-drifted deposits on leeward aspects. Surface slabs up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in very steep avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
