Dangerous conditions exist. Some very large, destructive slab avalanches released in the Teton Range on Sunday evening during a period of heavy precipitation and strong winds. Close calls involving skiers in Grand Teton National Park have occurred during the past two days. The snowpack in the Southwest Trails area is similar in sturcture to the Teton area. A persistent weak layer is buried above a crust that formed in late November. Dense surface slabs and very dangerous deep persistent slab avalanches could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Avalanches are unlikely below that elevation. Expert route finding skills and conservative terrain choices are essential.
Dangerous deep slab avalanches up to five feet in depth could be human triggered on a variety on aspects above an elevation of 7,500 feet. These slabs could fail due to the weight of a snowmobile or a single skier who encounters a shallow weak zone. These slabs could propagate and run long distances and are likely to carry severe consequences to anyone involved.
Dense wind slabs formed by strong westerly winds could be human triggered to depths of two feet and once triggered could step down and become a large destructive deep slab avalanche.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A northwest flow will continue to bring periods of light snowfall and convective snow showers to western Wyoming. Skies will be mostly to partly cloudy. Most locations could receive a few inches of new snow overnight and during the day on Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s in the mountains. Winds will be westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour.Large to very large deep slab avalanches with depths to six feet could be triggered by skier or riders in major avalanche paths. Dense wind slabs up to two feet in depth could also be triggered by riders and skiers who venture into steep avalanche starting zones and in steep chutes and couloirs. The general avalanche hazard is expect to be CONSIDERABLE due to the potential for backcountry users to be involved with very large slides. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
