The general avalanche hazard is considerable above an elevation of 7,500 feet and is moderate below that elevation. In steep avalanche prone terrain humans could trigger recently formed surface slabs and dangerous persistent slabs. Wind slabs formed during the most recent storm cycle are a hazard on steep wind-loaded avalanche prone slopes. Large to very large persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered on steep slopes that had a shallow snowpack with poor snow structure at the end of January. The consequences of triggering a large destructive avalanche are likely to be severe. A careful assessment of the snowpack and conservative terrain choices are essential for snowmobilers and skiers 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 snowmobilers and skiers with depths of one to three feet. Today's sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers.
Persistent slab avalanches could be triggered by snowmachines or the weight of a single person 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 higher elevations. They could be one to three feet deep below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be partly to mostly sunny on Monday. This arctic air mass remains weakly unstable. Isolated to scattered snow showers are possible over the higher elevations. Temperatures will drop below zero tonight and rise into the teens and 20s. Winds will remain light and variable. 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 to four feet. Slab avalanches can also be triggered by humans on persistent weak layers. These slabs could be 2 to 6 feet deep. These dangerous persistent slab avalanches are most likely to be triggered in areas that had a shallow snowpack with poor snow structure at the end of January. In the Teton Range these areas can be found at the lower elevations and in the northern portion of Grand Teton National Park. These areas are prevalent in the Togwotee Pass area below an elevation of 10,000 feet and up to even higher elevations on the east side of the Continental Divide. These areas can be found in most of the Greys River area and are prevalent in the eastern portions of this forecast zone. A careful assessment of the snowpack and conservative terrain choices are essential for snowmobilers and skiers who recreate in avalanche terrain. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate below an elevation of 7,500 feet and in some areas with a deeper snowpack. The hazard will be considerable in areas where recent new snow lies upon a snowpack with poor snow structure.
