New snow and strong winds yesterday have formed new soft slabs in upper elevation terrain. These slabs will be sensitive in steep terrain because the underlying snowpack is weak. Watch for areas that visually appear to look deeper than other nearby snow as those are the areas where wind drifting/loading has occurred. A near miss occurred in the Tetons yesterday when a skier was swept over a cliff when his group unknowning skied up to a cliff edge. Don't let holiday traffic and excitement prevent cautious decision making in consequential avalanche terrain.
The underlying snow at Togwotee is weak. In steep terrain where strong winds, new snow and increasing temperatures have promoted the top portion of the snowpack to be consolidated, avalanches can be triggered by riders or skiers. These slabs could have depths two feet and, if triggered, will entrain deeper, weak snow.
The snowpack has poor structure. When significant new snow arrives the avalanche danger at Togwotee will increase quickly. With the 4" of new snow and strong winds yesterday, the chance to trigger avalanches will be higher than the last couple days, although not widespread or large enough to increase the rating to Considerable. The moderate definition simply means that avalanches are not expected to occur naturally or be widespread and large. It also means that avalanches can be triggered by a person. Do not underestimate this danger rating and look for and avoid areas of cohesive snow in steep terrain.
