Dangerous avalanche hazards exist in the backcountry. Slab avalanches lie upon weak persistent layers of faceted snow. These weak layers were loaded by storm snow and winds on Saturday and again yesterday. Multiple avalanches have been reported in the Teton area since Saturday. Some have released naturally, some have been triggered remotely and sympathetic releases have been observed. Human triggered avalanches are likely today. Natural avalanches are possible. These weak layers have been quite sensitive to human triggers between an elevation of 7,500 to 9,000 feet, however recent avalanche activity has been observed up to an elevation of 11,400 feet. Expert snow stability and terrain evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Slab avalanches are likely to be human triggered and could release naturally on a variety of aspects above an elevation of 7,000 feet. These slabs could be up to four feet deep at the upper elevations and are expected to be one to two feet deep below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The ongoing snow event will continue into the evening before tapering off to light snow or flurries on Tuesday. Two to four inches of additional snow are likely in favored areas. Temperatures will remain in the single digits and teens in the mountains. Winds will be westerly and gradually decrease to 15 to 20 miles per hour with some higher gusts. Avalanche conditions will continue to be dangerous in the mountains. The new snow and wind have increased the load on a snowpack that has buried layers of weak, faceted snow. Human triggered slab avalanches are likely on steep slopes and natural avalanches are possible. These slabs could be two to four feet deep above an elevation of 8,000 feet and one to two feet deep at an elevation of 7,000 to 8,000 feet. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. Expert snowpack evaluation, terrain analyses skills and a cautious approach to terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
