Since yesterday morning, average wind speeds at 10,000 feet were in the twenties with gusts into the thirties and forties. These winds have transported snow at the upper elevations onto leeward slopes and formed wind slabs. Yesterday in GTNP, a small wind slab avalanche released naturally and ran a few thousand feet. Similar events could occur today in any of the forecast areas, and it will be possible for skiers and riders to trigger small slab avalanches above 9,000 feet. Below 9,000 feet, avalanche activity will be limited to small pockets and isolated to steep terrain. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche will increase on sheltered solar aspects during the warmest portion of the day. Although these slides will be small, in serious terrain consequences could be high.
Steady winds have formed wind slabs at the upper elevations. These avalanches are expected to be small in volume with slabs less than a foot in depth. Below the new snow are firm crusts, which could cause these avalanches to entrain snow and run long distances. To avoid encountering a wind slab avalanche, backcountry travelers should be wary of wind-loaded slopes and terrain features at all elevations.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover is expected to lessen overnight, and then skies will be mostly sunny tomorrow. Temperatures will start in the low teens and warm into the mid-twenties at 10,000 feet and mid-thirties in the valleys. Westerly winds along high ridges will continue to be in the teens to twenties with stronger gusts. In all the forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will remain Moderate above 9,000 feet. Backcountry travelers could trigger wind slab avalanches on steep slopes. These slides are expected to be small soft slabs less than a foot in depth. Below 9,000 feet, the avalanche hazard is Low and avalanche activity is unlikely with the exception of small loose slides on steep terrain. The likelihood of triggering a small avalanche will increase on sheltered sunlit slopes during the warmest portions of the day.
