Pockets of soft slab lie above 7500 feet. These slabs were formed by southwest to northwest winds and could be triggered by skiers and riders in steep terrain. Also at these mid and upper elevations, the possibility persists for backcountry travelers to trigger deeper slabs that formed during the mid-January storm cycle. If triggered a very slight chance remains for those slabs to step down to deeper weak layers. Avalanches below 7500 feet are unlikely today. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully.
Persistent slabs lie upon a variety of snow surfaces that developed during the dry period between Christmas and early January. These slabs could have depths to three feet and could be triggered by the weight of a single person. They will become more sensitive this afternoon as they are weakened by warming temperatures and periods of sunlight.
Skiers and riders could trigger recently developed soft wind slabs six to eighteen inches deep in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain above 7,500 feet. These slabs will also increase in sensitivity today.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Northerly flow will back to the northwest as a ridge of high pressure moves easterly over the region. Skies will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny. Inverted temperatures will develop overnight with mountain highs reaching into the upper 20s during the day. Nighttime lows in the valleys will be near zero before rebounding into the mid to upper 20s. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Wednesday and will increase during the day on sunlit aspects as warm temperatures and sunshine heat the snow surface. In steep, wind-loaded terrain, backcountry travelers could trigger recently formed wind slabs ranging from six to eighteen inches in depth. The chance of triggering persistent slabs up to four feet deep continues. Faceted snow near the base of the snowpack remains a concern in the Togwotee Pass area. In the Tetons and the Greys River area, a slight chance continues for avalanche activity on these basal facets.
