Riders and skiers have the potential to trigger slab avalanches in steep avalanche terrain. Avalanche activity will be most likely to occur in steep sheltered areas that are prone to wind loading but could occur in any steep avalanche terrain as the weak snow layers that exist in the snowpack are widely distributed throughout the area. Consider the consequences of being caught in a slide and remember that even small slides can have dire outcomes when they occur above terrain traps. Evaluate the deeper layers of the snowpack to properly evaluate this concern.
Avalanches involving preserved weak snow layers could be human triggered today. These slabs could be soft or hard and have depths of two to five feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A very weak disturbance may provide a few flurries in the mountains overnight although accumulations will be negligible. Wednesday looks to be mostly clear with morning temperature inversions similar to the last two days. Highs are to reach the mid-twenties at all elevations. The general avalanche danger will remain Moderate above 8500 feet on Wednesday (and for the foreseeable future). In the Teton and Togwotee pass areas, deep hard slabs have progressed to the point of being stubborn and less likely to trigger. They still demand respect because if triggered they will be large to very large and are likely to carry severe consequences to anyone involved. As the slabs have become harder to trigger, they still remain susceptible to larger loads such as groups or snow machines although the slight chance continues for a single person to trigger their release when a particularly thin and weak spot on a steep slope is impacted. These slabs could have depths of three to eight feet in these areas. In the Togwotee Pass area, the danger is similar although avalanche events will be easier to initiate and smaller with depths of two to five feet. Avalanches below 8500 feet will be unlikely.
