The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. Two days of strong winds and 10 to 15 inches of new snow have created areas of unstable snow. Humans who venture into avalanche terrain could trigger fresh winds slabs up to two feet in depth of a variety of aspects and persistent slabs up to three feet in depth on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Cornice failure is possible. Evaluate snow conditions and terrain carefully and avoid areas of concern. Todays sunshine and rising temperatures will increase the sensitivty of slab avalanches and cornices to human triggers as the day progresses. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Two days of strong west-southwest to west winds have created dense wind slabs up to two feet in depth on lleeward aspects. With abundant sunshine and increasing temperatures in the forecast the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers will increase as the day progresses. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to a depth of three feet.
Weak faceted snow persist at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Dense slabs up to three feet in depth could be triggered by humans on this persistent weak layer. Previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability
Strong winds may have created overhanging cornices that could become unstable as the day warms. Cornice failures are possible and could trigger slab avalanches one to three in depth if they fall onto steep avalanche prone slopes.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The low level moisture in the atmosphere will decrease overnight and bring an end to the light mountain snowfall. Partial clearing will occur on Monday with temperatures rising into the 30s and southwest winds decreasing to 15 mile per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to MODERATE at the mid and upper elevations. Humans who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche terrain could trigger wind slabs up to two feet deep. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could fail on buried faceted snow and step down to depths of three feet. The potential for humans to trigger these slabs will increase as the day warms. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet. Grand Targhee Ski Resort will be closed to uphill traffic in preparation for a Friday opening.
