The higher elevations have received several inches of dense new snow. Heavy rain fell yesterday morning below an elevation of 9,000 feet. At the upper elevations dry slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche starting zones. Large wet slab avalanches were triggered by the Wyoming Department of Transportation in Hoback Canyon yesterday morning. Wet snow avalanche hazards still exist below an elevation of 8,000 feet. Glide avalanches are also possible. Evaluate terrain and conditions carefully.
The snowpack below an elevation of 8,000 feet is still wet and unconsolidated. Wet slab and wet loose avalanches are possible on steep terrain features and could gouge down to the ground. Areas with wet snow avalanche hazards may also be present on steep slopes between the elevations of 8,000 to 9,000 feet.
At the higher elevations dense slabs formed by southwest to west winds could be triggered by humans in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs could be up to 2 feet deep and may become more sensitive to human triggers if the sun comes out.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Rain and snow showers are forecast to become less numerous overnight. The snow/rain line will descend to the valley floors by morning as colder air moves into the region. Skies will be mostly cloudy on Wednesday. Snow showers are likely over the mountains. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s in the mountains and in the 20s and 30s in the valleys. Winds will veer from the west to the north at 10 to 20 with gusts to 35 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate. At the upper elevations humans could trigger slab avalanches that involve the dense new snow in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs could be one to two feet deep. At the lower elevations the wet snow avalanche hazard will decrease be still be a concern on steep terrain features.
