Current conditions are ripe for serious avalanche accidents. Some slopes are unstable and waiting for human triggers. In the Teton area multiple large slab avalanches have been triggered by skiers during the past several days. The same snowpack instabilities that are responsible for those events exist in the Togwotee Pass area. These slabs are failing on persistent weak layers and could be triggered remotely, possible by another party. The full understanding of the severity and nature of this hazard is essential to safe travel in the backcountry. Study the recent avalanche events and field observations posted on our website. Many avalanches have been triggered between an elevation of 9,500 and 7,500 feet. Most backcountry avalanche fatalities occur during periods of moderate or considerable hazard. The hazard associated with a persistent slab avalanche problem is the most likely to harm recreational backcountry users.
Large slab avalanches could be human triggered on a variety of aspects above an elevation of 7,500 feet. These slabs are up to four feet deep at the upper elevations and are one to two feet deep below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snow will develop overnight and continue through the day. Accumulations of three to six inches are likely. Temperatures will be mostly in the teens. Winds will be westerly at 15 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts.Large slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders. Many slopes are unstable and waiting for human triggers. These slabs are two to five feet deep above an elevation of 8,000 feet and one to two feet deep below that elevation. These slabs are failing on persistent weak layers and could be triggered remotely, possible by another party. Seriously consider the consequences of your terrain choices. The full understanding of the severity and nature of this hazard is essential to your survival. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be rated as CONSIDERABLE. Most avalanche fatalities occur during periods of moderate or considerable hazard. The hazard associated with a persistent slab avalanche problem is the most likely to kill backcountry users. Current conditions are ripe for serious avalanche accidents.
