Avalanche Problem 2: Storm Slab

Snowfall intensity will increase early this morning and reach upwards of 3'' per hour through most of the mid day hours. This fast moving winter storm could drop 1 to 2 feet of snow above 7000' today and tonight with more at higher elevations. Storm slabs will become very likely on all aspects below treeline and near treeline as this new storm snow has difficulty bonding to itself and/or the old snow surface. On shaded W-NW-N-NE-E aspects near treeline and below treeline the possibility exists for these storm slabs to fail on a near crust facet layer that exists on top of the Dec. 15 rain crust. These avalanches could be larger in size, remotely triggered, entrain more snow, and have much higher consequences.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Natural triggered avalanches are likely and human triggered avalanches are very likely. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Avoid avalanche runout zones.



