Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Unstable wind slabs have formed on a variety of weak snow layers including crusts, faceted snow and surface hoar. These slabs could release naturally today as temperatures continue to rise and they are further loaded by the predicted heavy snowfall and very strong winds. Possible rain at low elevations could cause low elevation slides that impact roadways as well as roof slides. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Soft to hard slabs could be triggered on all elevations and aspects today. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity and could have depths three feet at the higher elevations this afternoon and to one foot at the lower elevations.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warming through 5 AM Sunday morning. Light to moderate snowfall is forecasted overnight and during the day on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the low 20s during the day. Valley lows will dip into to the mid 20s before rising to near freezing in the afternoon. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 25 to 40 miles per hour gusting into the 60s.Depending on the amount of new snow and wind overnight and during the day on Sunday, the general avalanche hazard could remain HIGH. Skiers and riders could easily trigger dense winds one to three feet in depth, and natural activity will be possible. Slides could also initiate or step down to buried layers of surface hoar and near surface facets which formed in January. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED DURING PERIODS OF HIGH AVALANCHE DANGER.
