Areas of unstable snow persist at the upper elevations, especially in steep north facing avalanche paths. Yesterday, skiers remotely triggered a soft slab avalanche on a north aspect of Angle Mountain. Human triggered slab avalanches will continue to be a hazard at the upper elevations (above an elevation of 9,000 feet) where a persistent weak layer in the snowpack lies upon a hard October rain crust. A careful evaluation of terrain and snow structure is essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
At the higher elevations pockets of soft slab up to two feet in depth could be human triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs were formed by southwest to northwest winds and will fail on a weak layer of faceted snow that lies upon a hard crust.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Brief clearing overnight could result in areas of patchy morning valley fog and temperature inversions. Clouds will increase during the day and likely bring a period of light snowfall to the mountains. Temperatures will remain in the single digits and teens. Winds will back to the west and decrease to speeds of 10 to 15 miles per hour.Large human triggered slab avalanches will continue to be a significant hazard at the upper elevations where there is a persistent weak layer near the base of the snowpack that lies upon an October rain crust. These dangerous slabs are up to three feet deep and will continue to be sensitive to the weight of a person for an extended period. Avalanches are unlikely in areas where this persistent weak layer on a hard crust combo does not exist. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations in the Teton area and MODERATE at the upper elevations in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas. The hazard is expected to be LOW at the mid and lower elevations.
