Above 9000 feet, wind slabs could be triggered by backcountry skiers and riders today. These small slides can still carry severe consequences where they can flush a person down a steep couloir, over a cliff or bury them in a terrain trap. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and avoid features of concern. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and low elevations.
Wind slabs lie in steep upper elevation avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. These slabs could be shallow involving just the newer snow, or could involve snow that fell last week with depths to eighteen inches. These slabs could increase in size and sensitivity as they are further loaded today by new snowfall.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings for western Wyoming. A storm centered over the great basin and moving east will bring snow to the area tonight and Tuesday. This storm will favor the southern forecast areas yet widespread accumulations are expected in all areas. Four to eight inches could fall by morning with more snow expected during the day. Northeast winds are to have averages of 15 to 25 mph.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet where wind slabs to two foot depths could be triggered in steep terrain. Snowfall and Northeast winds are not common so watch for loading in atypical areas tomorrow. A slight chance for deeper instabilities to be triggered in isolated areas also continues in high terrain in the Togwotee Pass area. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely in the mostly stable snowpack.
