The snowpack remains unstable on steep avalanche prone slopes that have not already slid. Dangerous slab avalanches can be triggered by the weight of a single person or after a slope has been crossed by previous skiers or riders. Yesterday in the southern Teton Range skiers reported dozens of collapses (whumphs), observed shooting cracks and triggered a two foot deep slab avalanche on a southeast aspect at an elevation of 9,160 feet. Similar events are likely today. 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. At the lower elevations small avalanches are possible on isolated terrain features.
Slabs are two to four feet deep at the mid and upper elevations. At the lower elevations small pockets of soft slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered in isolated areas. These small slabs could be a hazard above terrain traps.
Dry weather will continue with clear skies and temperature inversions. Winds will be northwesterly at 10 to 15 miles per hour.At the mid and upper elevations our snowpack is unstable and sensitive to the weight of a single person. Conditions are dangerous. Serious avalanche accidents are likely. Human triggered slab avalanches are likely on steep, avalanche prone slopes that have not already slid. These slab avalanches will be large with depths to four feet. Expert terrain analyses skills, a strong understanding of the avalanche problem and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet except on isolated terrain features.
