Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger wind slabs formed earlier in the week above 8000 feet. New snow will form additional shallow soft slabs in this terrain as the day progresses. At low elevations, rain will further loosen a snowpack that has been weakened by warm temperatures this week and the possibility of wet slides is to increase.
Dense wind slabs with depths to two feet could be human triggered in steep active avalanche path at the mid and high elevations. New snow and strong winds will form additional soft shallow slabs on leeward slopes as the day progresses.
Rain will further weaken snow at the low elevations where areas of isothermal snow already exist. Wet slides could be human triggered or release naturally later in the day. Travel in low elevation steep avalanche terrain is not recommended this afternoon.
( 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.
