The general avalanche hazard remains Considerable above an elevation of 7,500 feet and is Moderate below that elevation. In steep avalanche prone terrain humans could trigger recently formed surface slabs and dangerous persistent slabs. Wind slabs formed during the most recent storm cycle are a hazard on steep wind-loaded avalanche terrain. Large to very large persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered on steep slopes that had a shallow snowpack with poor snow structure at the end of January. Areas with persistent slab avalanche hazard are prevalent in the Togwotee Pass area, especially east of the Continental Divide. The consequences of triggering a large destructive avalanche are likely to be severe. Conservative terrain choices, watching for areas of wind loading and evaluating the snowpack to understand the persistent weak problem are essential for snowmobilers and skiers who recreate in avalanche terrain.
Surface slabs formed by southwest winds during the most recent storm cycle continue to be a hazard on steep wind-loaded slopes. These soft slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders and have depths of one to three feet. These slabs may become slightly more sensitive if they are warmed and weakened by periods of direct sunlight.
Persistent slab avalanches could be easily triggered by snowmachines or the weight of a single person on steep avalanche prone slopes. These dangerous slabs will fail on well-developed faceted snow that formed earlier in the season. These large to very large slabs, that are likely to be hard, could be 3 to 5 feet deep at the higher elevations. They could be one to three feet deep below an elevation of 7,500 feet where they are expected to be soft slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snow and flurries are possible overnight with partial clearing expected during the day on Tuesday. Temperatures are to remain on the cold side and will be slightly inverted with sub-zero temps expected at all elevations in the morning and highs in the low teens. Winds are to be light with five to ten mile per hour averages ranging from the west to the north. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate in the Tetons. This reduction in the rating is only due to the fact that natural avalanches are not likely and slabs will be slightly less sensitive. Do not take this an indication that it is safe to go onto to steep terrain. Slabs that could be large in size could still be triggered by the weight of a single person. These slabs may be soft to hard and may break higher than they typically do on a slope. If caught in one of these events, the outcome may be fatal. The rating will remain Considerable at the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas where conditions remain in a more fragile state due to these areas having a weaker snowpack. This is especially true in the Togwotee Pass area where storms have consistently delivered less snow and cold temperatures have faceted the snowpack throughout the season.
