The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Pockets of new wind slab and denser older slabs could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain, especially by larger triggers such as snowmachines. Todays warming temperatures will likely increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet where the general avalanche hazard is LOW.
West to northwest winds have formed pockets of soft surface slab in steep wind loaded terrain up to one foot deep. These slabs are likely to be easily triggered by skiers or riders in steep wind loaded terrain and could step down to deeper layers.
Weak faceted snow persists in the snowpack. Where consolidated snow lies upon these weaknesses, avalanches can be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers. These slabs could be be one to three feet in depth and are likely to be larger on north facing slopes above an elevation of 9,000 feet where weak faceted snow persist near the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The northwest flow will continue to bring some moisture to the region. On Monday skies will be overcast with periods of light snow. Accumulations of several inches are likely at the upper elevations. Temperatures will warm into the 20s. Winds will be westerly at 20 to 25 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the Greys River/Southwest Trails area, at the upper elevations of the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide Trails area and at the mid elevations of the Teton Area. It will be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations of the Teton area and LOW at the lower elevations of the Teton and Togwotee Pass areas. Humans who venture into steep avalanche terrain could trigger new soft slabs up to two feet in depth and older, denser slabs one to three feet in depth.
