Snow that fell overnight and during the last 8 days has been transported by wind and formed soft slabs in steep avalanche terrain at the upper elevations. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry skiers and, although expected to be relatively small in size, still demand respect. Watch for visual clues of wind loaded features or slopes near ridge crests and steep cliff areas and remember that even small slides in high consequence terrain can be fatal. At the mid elevations, small isolated pockets of soft slabs could be found and avalanches are not expected at low elevations today.
Wind slabs have formed in steep upper elevation terrain. Snowfall since March 7th sits upon firm crusts and slab failure could occur on density breaks within recent snow or on this firm surface. Slab depths of approximately one foot are possible today.
Showers will continue to periodically produce snow until midnight, particularly in the northern two forecast areas. Another one to three inches of accumulation is expected during this time in localized areas. Thursday looks be mostly clear with mountain temperatures rising from the single digits to the mid-twenties while valley temps rise from the teens to mid-thirties. The general avalanche danger will be Moderate above 9000 feet in the Teton and Togwotee forecast areas where wind slabs could be triggered by riders or skiers in steep wind loaded terrain. These slabs could have depths to over a foot in the Tetons and are likely to be less than a foot deep in the Togwotee Pass area. Watch for terrain features that are wind loaded and remember that small slides can be problematic in consequential terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely except for in isolated pockets. In the Southwest Trails forecast area, the danger rating will also be Moderate above 8000 feet. Slab avalanches could be triggered involving faceted snow below the early March crust. This scenario creates the potential for larger slides that are difficult to predict as they may require taking the time to look at the snowpack below the well established crust.
