Persistent deep slabs above 9,000 feet still warrant mention. While triggering these slides is very unlikely, they would carry high consequences. As the day progresses and new snow accumulates, skiers and riders could trigger isolated pockets of shallow soft slab and loose snow sluffs.
Crusts and faceted snow formed in October persist near the base of the snowpack above 9,000 feet on shaded aspects. While backcountry traveler's ability to impact these deep weaknesses is very limited, the consequences of triggering one of these hard slabs would be severe.
A second more powerful storm will impact the region starting tonight and continue through Monday. Ten to twenty inches of additional snowfall is expected by tomorrow evening. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 30 to 40 miles per hour creating areas of blowing snow and poor visibility. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising to near 20 during the day.The General Avalanche Hazard in the Tetons and Greys River area is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Monday morning and will continue to rise during the day. Newly developed wind slabs, 15 to 30 inches in depth, will be easily triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded terrain. Natural activity will also be possible. These slides might be able to step down to persistent weak layers near the base of the snowpack.In the Togwotee Pass area, where less snow has accumulated and smaller amounts are in the forecast, the General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the morning and will increase as the day progresses. Skiers and riders could trigger new wind slabs 10 to 20 inches deep in steep, avalanche prone terrain along with deep slabs failing on October weak layers involving the majority of the snowpack.
