Unstable conditions continue to pose a threat to people who are recreating on steep slopes. Sunshine and warm temperatures will increase the hazard as the day progresses. Yesterday in the Salt River Range an avalanche fully buried one snowmobiler and partially buried another. Another sledder was was partailly buried and seriously injured in the Salt River Range on Monday. In the Teton Range there have been two incidents of skiers being caught and carried but not injured during the past two days. Similar events are possible on steep slopes in the Togwotee Pass area and could result in serious injury or death. Excellent terrain evaluation skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
DANGEROUS unstable slabs up to three feet in depth lie upon buried layers of weak faceted snow. These slabs could be triggered by humans who venture onto steep avalanche prone slopes. The potential for avalanches to occur will increase as air temperatures warm and the sun warms suspect terrain. Some steep slopes may be crossed multiple times before a weak spot is encountered and the slope fails.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A weak ridge of high pressure will move over the area. On Saturday there will be abundant sunshine. Temperatures in the mountains will rise into the mid 20s to 30s. Winds will be west at 10 to 20 miles per hour.Unstable conditions pose a serious threat to humans who will be recreating in avalanche terrain. Warming conditions are likely to create a CONSIDERABLE avalanche hazard. DANGEROUS slab avalanches up to four feet in depth could be triggered by humans who venture onto steep slopes.
