In very steep, wind loaded terrain at the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders still have some potential of triggering small to large wind slabs. Although temperatures are starting out cold, extended periods of sunshine might increase the likelihood of triggering these slides on solar aspects in the afternoon. Monitor the effect of the sun, and be willing to alter your travel plans if conditions warrant. The lower elevation snowpack has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and significant avalanche activity is unlikely.
Up to two feet of snow has accumulated since the middle of the week. Southwesterly ridgetop winds increased yesterday and stiffened the recently formed wind slabs. These slabs reside above sun crusts, surface hoar and dense, settled snow. Backcountry travelers venturing onto very steep, avalanche prone slopes above 7,500 feet could trigger these slabs with depths ranging from one to two feet.
Expect clear skies overnight and sunshine on Monday. Nighttime lows in the mountains will be in the upper single digits before rising into the mid-20s during the day. The valleys will drop to near zero tonight before rebounding into the low to mid 30s in the afternoon. Ridgetop winds will be light and variable overnight before increasing to 5 to 15 miles per hour out of the southwest during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate above 7,500 feet on Monday. In very steep, wind loaded terrain, backcountry travelers will still have some potential of triggering wind slabs up to two feet deep. These slabs could become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects in the afternoon. Persistent deep slab avalanches will remain a threat in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. Snowmobilers are more likely than skiers to impact the weak layers of faceted snow that are buried three to six feet deep. Don’t let previous tracks fool you into thinking that a slope is safe; they are not an indication of stability for persistent deep slabs. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack has gone through several melt-freeze cycles, and avalanche activity will be unlikely.
