The avalanche danger remains Considerable above 8,000' today. Human triggered slab avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible. Shooting cracks and evidence of other avalanches nearby will be your signal that the snowpack is unstable. Slabs will be easily large enough to bury a person. You may find smaller but equally reactive slabs below 8,000’. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully today.
Wind slabs 1 to 3 feet thick exist on a variety of aspects due to shifting winds. Slopes beneath cliff bands and rollovers beneath cornices should be evaluated carefully for signs of instability such as shooting cracks. Hollow sounding snow, cracking or pillow-like formations of snow are indicators that drifting snow has formed slabs.
In very steep terrain loose snow avalanches will have the potential to gather enough volume to knock skiers and riders over and into terrain traps. These avalanches could gather the 20-30" of snow that has fallen since Sunday. If entering steep terrain, expect snow that was not wind affected to move easily and run long distances.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light to moderate snowfall will continue overnight as northwest flow brings moisture to the Tetons and Salts. Temperatures tomorrow will be similar to today, with overnight lows near zero before rising to the mid-teens. West winds will continue at 15-20 mph overnight and tomorrow. Another one to three inches of snow is likely by tomorrow morning with another one to three falling through the day tomorrow.Elevations above 8,000’ will continue to have the reactive wind and storm slabs that warrant a Considerable danger rating tomorrow. New snow will add more load and continue to build slabs. Human-triggering will remain likely in steep terrain. Middle and lower elevations will have less avalanche hazard due to less snow there. Expect Moderate danger at mid-elevations and low danger in areas below 7,500’ that lack the snowpack for slabs to develop upon.
