The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Up to a foot of new snow and periods of strong east winds have created pockets of surface slab up to two feet in depth. These slabs could be human triggered in steep terrain at the upper elevations and in isolated pockets at the mid elevations. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations. Today's sunshine will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers as the day progresses.
Pockets of surface slab up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These slabs were formed by west, northwest and east winds.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Tonight will be cold, especially in the valleys where low stratus and areas of fog are expected to form and last until mid-day. Skies above will be clear. Temperatures will be in the single digits below zero when the day begins and will warm into the 20s. Winds will be light from the east to north.Shallow, loose snow sluffs and isolated pockets of soft slab less than a foot in depth could be human triggered or release in response to abundant sunshine in very steep terrain and cliff areas at the higher elevations. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
