Late yesterday, a skier triggered a slide on Jackson Peak, northeast of Jackson. Details are limited at this point, but will be made available as additional information comes in. Similar events are possible today, particularly in extreme terrain. The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet. On steep northerly aspects, persistent slabs lie upon faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. These slabs could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers, or indirectly by triggering recently developed wind slabs that step down to this deeper weak layer. Daily warming will makes these slabs more susceptible to failure. The general avalanche hazard is LOW below 9,000 feet and avalanches are unlikely.
Skiers and riders could trigger persistent slabs up to 30 inches in depth on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These slabs lie upon a mid-October drought surface that is comprised of faceted snow. Thin areas of these slabs may be potential trigger points and previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability.
Backcountry travelers venturing into very steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain might be able to trigger recently developed pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches deep. Avoid areas of dense wind affected snow in exposed terrain, particularly if they have a hollow, drum like feel.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect some cloud cover and a chance for light, scattered flurries in the Togwotee Pass area as a Canadian cold front brushes the region east of the continental divide. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid 20s before climbing back into the mid 30s during the day on Monday. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 9,000 feet on Monday. Backcountry travelers venturing into very steep, shaded avalanche terrain might be able to trigger dense slabs up to three feet in depth. These slabs lie upon faceted snow from the October drought period. The general avalanche hazard below 9,000 feet, where this weak layer does not exist, is expected to be LOW and avalanches are unlikely.
