Avalanche conditions remain dangerous. Large to very large slab avalanches could be triggered on steep avalanche prone slopes by the weight of a single person. Yesterday a three foot deep slab avalanche was remotely triggered by a skier south of the boundary of Grand Targhee Resort. The consequences of triggering a large slab avalanche are likely to be severe. A careful assessment of the snowpack and conservative terrain choices are essential for skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers who recreate in avalanche terrain.
Surface slabs formed by southwest winds during the most recent storm cycle continue to be a hazard on steep wind-loaded avalanche prone slopes. These slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders with depths of one to three feet. Today's sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers.
Some potential remains for humans to trigger large persistent slab avalanches on steep avalanche prone slopes. These dangerous slabs will fail on faceted snow layers that formed earlier in the season. These large to very large slab avalanches could be 3 to 5 feet deep at the mid and upper elevations. They could be one to three feet deep at the lower elevations.
Light snow and flurries are possible overnight with partial clearing expected during the day on Tuesday. Temperatures are to remain on the cold side and will be slightly inverted with sub-zero temps expected at all elevations in the morning and highs in the low teens. Winds are to be light with five to ten mile per hour averages ranging from the west to the north. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate in the Tetons. This reduction in the rating is only due to the fact that natural avalanches are not likely and slabs will be slightly less sensitive. Do not take this an indication that it is safe to go onto to steep terrain. Slabs that could be large in size could still be triggered by the weight of a single person. These slabs may be soft to hard and may break higher than they typically do on a slope. If caught in one of these events, the outcome may be fatal. The rating will remain Considerable at the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas where conditions remain in a more fragile state due to these areas having a weaker snowpack. This is especially true in the Togwotee Pass area where storms have consistently delivered less snow and cold temperatures have faceted the snowpack throughout the season.
