Gusty winds with periods of light snowfall have been increasing the avalanche hazard. Backcountry travelers could encounter pockets of wind slab that are sensitive to human triggers in steep terrain. These slabs could carry and harm humans in terrain with consequences; like large bowls, steep chutes and cliff areas. The likelihood of triggering these slides diminishes below an elevation of 8,500 feet where less snow has fallen and winds have been lighter. Evaluate terrain snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.
Pockets of wind slab formed by west to southwest winds could be triggered by humans in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs are likely to be 6 to 18 inches in depth but could be up to two feet deep in some upper elevation avalanche starting zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A series of short wave low pressure troughs will bring periods of light snowfall through the week. These pulses of moisture will favor the Teton Range and the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. In these areas 3 to 6 inches of new snow are possible during the next 24 hours. Lesser amounts are likely in other portions of our forecast area. Skies will remain cloudy. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens. Winds will be southwest at 20 to 30 with gusts to 40 miles per hour across the higher ridge crests and mountain passes. The general avalanche hazard will continue to slowly increase. New soft slabs formed by gusty southwest winds will continue to build and are expected to be sensitive to human triggers. These soft surface slabs will pose a significant hazard in steep terrain and in cliff areas where even small slides can be very dangerous. Monitor conditions and make good terrain choices, especially in areas that have been favored by recent snowfall and gusty winds. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the upper elevations and transition to LOW at the lower elevations.
