At the higher elevations strong winds have drifted snow onto leeward aspects and increased the avalanche hazard. Humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones could trigger slab avalanches on old snow surfaces that are comprised of hard crusts or weak faceted snow grains. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and consider the consequences of triggering even a small avalanche. The general avalanche hazard is moderate above an elevation of 9,000 feet and low below that elevation.
Pockets of wind slab formed by south-southwest to southwest winds could be human triggered on leeward aspects at the upper elevations. These slabs could be up to 18 inches deep.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A strong southwesterly flow will continue over the area for the next several days. Skies will remain overcast with orographic snow showers. Light accumulations are possible. Temperatures will be in the 20’s in the mountains. On the summits southwest winds will be 15 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts.At the highest elevations west to southwest winds have formed pockets of wind slab one to two feet deep on leeward aspects. In steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones these slabs could be triggered by humans on hard or weak old snow surfaces. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and consider the consequences of triggering even a small avalanche. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate above an elevation of 9,000 feet and low below that elevation.
