Strong winds and lots of new snow that fell during the past five days have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Humans who venture into avalanche terrain could trigger slab avalanches that could run long distances. Conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Strong southwest to northwest winds have created wind slabs up to five feet in depth on leeward aspects. These slabs lie upon slick old snow surfaces and weak layers of faceted snow that formed during the January drought period. Humans who venture into avalanche terrain could trigger these dangerous slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Another fast approaching system is to bring snow to Western Wyoming through Friday morning before decreasing to flurries. Some areas could see as much as five to ten inches of accumulation. West winds are to have averages near twenty miles per hour overnight before decreasing slightly as they become northwesterly during the day on Friday. Mountain temperatures are to start in the teens and rise into the mid twenties.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable. Existing hard and soft wind slabs that lie in the backcountry will continue to be susceptible to human triggers. New snow and wind are likely to make those slabs more sensitive as the day progresses. The new snow may also be sensitive on its own in the form of sluffs or shallow soft slabs in very steep terrain.
