Persistent Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Unlikely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Avalanches involving weak snow buried 1-3 feet deep are unlikely, but cannot be ruled out entirely. Very steep terrain on the north half of the compass that is punctuated by rocks and cliff bands are the most likely places to find this problem. Additionally, upper elevation slopes that have been wind affected contain shallow areas where humans could disturb the November weak layer. Being caught and carried in an avalanche, even a small one, could result in serious injury due to numerous rocks and trees lurking in most runouts.
Two days ago (12/30), a snowmobile triggered avalanche was reported near Gunsight Pass in the Greys River forecast zone. This event illustrates the current possibility of unstable snow on isolated features and highlights the need to remain vigilant during periods of low danger.
Here is a good example of the terrain where triggering a persistent slab is most likely. Photo taken south of Teton Pass on 12/21.