Yesterday, a skier triggered a three foot deep persistent slab on a northeast facing slope around 9,400 feet in the backcountry to the south of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. At the mid and upper elevation, similar slides are possible today in steep avalanche terrain. Backcountry travelers could also trigger shallow pockets of recently developed wind slab. Conservative decision making and careful snowpack evaluation will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. At the lower elevations, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Persistent slabs up to three feet deep lie upon a base of weak, faceted snow. These slabs can be found on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet and pose a serious threat to skiers and riders. While the likelihood of triggering these slides has slowly decreased, the consequences remain high. Previous tracks are also not an indication of stability.
In wind loaded terrain at the upper elevations, backcountry travelers could also trigger wind slabs six to twelve inches in depth failing on density breaks in and between recent snowfalls.
The moist westerly flow will continue to bring periods of snow to the region ahead of an abundant stream of moisture. Snowfall tonight is expected to be in the four to six inch range with another three to five inches possible in the favored locations during the day. Temperatures will be in the single digits and teens. Winds will continue to be west-southwest at 25 to 35 with gusts to 40 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE and on the INCREASE overnight and into the day. The potential for large and dangerous human triggered and naturally released avalanches to occur will increase as the day progresses. A significant increase in snowfall intensity and warming conditions are forecast for tomorrow night. If this forecast verifies the avalanche hazard is likely to rise to HIGH.
