In the Togwotee area, persistent slabs involving old weak snow layers and recently formed wind slabs could be triggered by skiers or riders in steep terrain at the upper elevations. New snow and strong west winds will increase the likelihood of triggering these slabs as well as create new shallow wind slabs in steep leeward terrain above 8000 feet.
The recent dense snow has increased the load on older persistent slabs that lie upon buried layers of weak snow. These dangerous slabs exist on north through east to south facing slopes at the higher elevations. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs with depths to three feet.
At the upper elevations pockets of dense wind slab with depths to 18 inches could be human triggered on steep slopes. Strong west winds and new snow today will form additional sensitive shallow slabs this afternoon on leeward slopes.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A storm is to bring snow to the mountains by sunrise on Thursday. This precipitation is to continue throughout the day. Temperatures at higher elevations are to reach the high twenties while low elevation terrain reaches the upper thirties where periods of rain and snow are expected. Very strong southwest winds are to have averages between twenty and forty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will ultimately be determined by the timing, amount, and temperatures associated with the expected precipitation. Upper elevations will be rated as Moderate with wind slabs possible in all forecast areas. At Togwotee Pass the chance to trigger persistent slabs also continues, reinforcing the moderate rating. At lower elevations, the recent wet slide problem may or may not continue, dependent on hard to predict weather variables, particularly the elevation of the freezing line. Check the am forecast for updated information concerning the avalanche problems.
