In steep avalanche terrain above 9000 feet, new and recent snowfall has been transported by wind, forming soft wind slabs on leeward slopes. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger pockets of slab today involving density breaks within the recent snow or on recently buried crusts. Although avalanche activity is expected to be small in size, this danger still deserves respect. Watch for visual clues indicating wind loaded features on slopes near steep cliff areas and ridge crests. Remember that even small slides can knock someone off their feet which can be problematic in high consequence terrain. Below 9000 feet, avalanches are unlikely except for in isolated pockets.
Southwest to northwest winds have formed soft wind slabs in steep upper elevation terrain. Snowfall since March 7th sits upon firm crusts and slab failure could occur on density breaks within recent snow or on this firm surface. Slab depths of up to one foot are possible today and slabs may become more sensitive on sunlit slopes as they are weakened by warming temperatures and solar impacts.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Showers will continue to periodically produce snow until midnight, particularly in the northern two forecast areas. Another one to three inches of accumulation is expected during this time in localized areas. Thursday looks be mostly clear with mountain temperatures rising from the single digits to the mid-twenties while valley temps rise from the teens to mid-thirties. The general avalanche danger will be Moderate above 9000 feet in the Teton and Togwotee forecast areas where wind slabs could be triggered by riders or skiers in steep wind loaded terrain. These slabs could have depths to over a foot in the Tetons and are likely to be less than a foot deep in the Togwotee Pass area. Watch for terrain features that are wind loaded and remember that small slides can be problematic in consequential terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely except for in isolated pockets. In the Southwest Trails forecast area, the danger rating will also be Moderate above 8000 feet. Slab avalanches could be triggered involving faceted snow below the early March crust. This scenario creates the potential for larger slides that are difficult to predict as they may require taking the time to look at the snowpack below the well established crust.
