The general avalanche hazard is moderate above an elevation of 9,000 feet and low below that elevation. At the upper elevations dense wind slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones, steep chutes and couloirs. Sunshine and warming temperatures may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers and may cause the release of loose snow slides from cliff areas and on very steep slopes. Colder temperatures have decreased the wet snow avalanche hazard. A careful evaluation of terrain and snowpack is warranted.
At the upper elevations dense wind slabs that have been formed by southwest to north winds lie upon hard old snow surfaces and could be triggered by the weight of a single person with significant consequences. These slabs could be up to two feet deep.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The latest storm system is moving from the central Rockies into the plains. Snow showers over the mountains of western WY will continue to decrease and eventually diminish by midnight, bringing minimal accumulation. Gusty northerly flow should continue through about 9 pm. Skies may become partly cloudy Thursday morning, before more clouds and northwest flow move back in Thursday afternoon ahead of a weak weather system. Moist unstable northwest flow should produce decent snow showers over the mountains on Thursday afternoon and evening, with the Tetons and Togwotee Pass areas likely receiving more snow accumulation. Temperatures on Thursday will be in the teens and 20s in the mountains and in the 20s and 30s in the valleys. At the upper elevations southwest to west and then north to northwest winds have created dense wind slabs on leeward aspects. On most aspects these wind slabs have formed upon hard old snow surfaces. These slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person on steep wind loaded avalanche prone slopes. Periods of sunshine could increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers and may initiate the natural release of loose snow sloughs on very steep slopes. Cold overnight temperatures are expected to further decrease the wet snow avalanche hazard. The general avalanche hazard is expected be moderate at the upper elevations and low at the mid and lower elevations.
