The snowpack remains unstable on steep avalanche prone slopes that have not already slid. The avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Dangerous slab avalanches can be triggered by the weight of a single person or after a slope has been crossed by previous riders or skiers. Yesterday in the southern Teton Range backcountry users reported dozens of collapses (whumphs), observed shooting cracks and triggered a two foot deep slab avalanche. Similar events are likely today in the Togwotee Pass area. Warming temperatures and sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. Expert terrain analysis skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Small avalanches are possible below an elevation of 7,500 feet on isolated terrain features.
Slabs are two to four feet deep above an elevation of 7,500 feet. The snow structure is poor and unstable conditions exist on a variety of aspects.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will remain mostly clear and the temperature inversion will strengthen overnight. West winds will veer to the northwest and remain strong as an Alberta Clipper weather system tracks to our northeast. Skies will be mostly sunny on Tuesday. Temperatures will rise into the 20s. Winds will relax and become light and variable. The snowpack remains unstable on steep slopes that have not already avalanched. Dangerous slab avalanches two to four feet in depth can be triggered by the weight of a single person or after a slope has been crossed by previous skiers or riders. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Expert terrain analysis skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Small avalanches are possible on isolated terrain features at the lower elevations where the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW.
