At the lower elevations rain and warm temperatures have created unstable conditions. Large wet slides are possible on steep snow covered slopes. These slides could release naturally or be human triggered. Roof slides are also possible. At the mid and upper elevations dangerous slab avalanches could be triggered by the weight of a person or release naturally. The sensitivity of the these avalanches to natural release and human triggers will increase during the day as temperatures rise and new snow and rain increase the load on the snowpack. The avalanche warning issued by the avalanche center has been downgraded to a a Special Avalanche Bulletin. Expert route finding skills and snowpack assessment knowledge are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Dense wind slabs formed by westerly winds with depths of one to three feet could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs could step down to deeper layers of weak faceted snow in areas with poor snowpack structure and will become more sensitive to human triggers as the day warms.
Buried layers of weak snow persist at all elevations. Slabs that lie upon these weaknesses could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers or release naturally. These slabs could have depths of three to six feet and will be wet in areas affected by rain.
Large wet slides are likely on steep slopes at the lower elevations. The potential for natural, human triggered and wildlife triggered slides to occur will increase as the day warms. Roof slide are also likely.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow and rain are forecast to continue. Another 8 to 15 inches of dense snow is expected to fall at the higher elevations during the next 24 hours. This snowfall will be accompanied by strong west to southwest winds with speeds of 25 to 35 and gusts from 45 to 55 miles per hour. Rain is likely below an elevation of 6,500 feet. If this weather forecast verifies the general avalanche hazard is expected to be HIGH. Natural and human triggered wet slides are likely on steep slopes at the lower elevations. Very large and destructive slab avalanches are likely at the mid and upper elevations. An avalanche warning has been extended to 7 PM on Sunday evening and travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.
