Conditions are dangerous. Snowfall totals for the last 24 hours are up to 2 feet with over 2 inches of moisture. A cold front is forecast to pass through the region this afternoon. This new snow and strong winds are loading a snowpack that has poor snow structure and buried persistent weak layers. Natural avalanche activity is possible at all elevations. Large human triggered avalanches are likely on steep avalanches prone slopes. Expert snow stability and terrain evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Large slab avalanches formed by southwest to west winds are likely to be triggered by humans who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. These slabs could be 1 to 3 feet deep. Natural releases are possible, especially during the frontal passage.
Large to very large slab avalanches could fail on persistent weak layers. These destructive slabs could be up to five feet deep and may run long distances. They could be triggered by the weight of a single person or release naturally.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A cold front is expected to pass through the area tonight and bring moderate to heavy snowfall to the region. Gusty west-southwest winds will accompany the frontal passage. Those winds are forecast to increase to 35 with gusts to 50 miles per hour by daybreak. Temperatures will remain warm until after midnight and are expected to be in the teens in the morning and rise in the upper 20s during the day. The avalanche warning issued by the Bridger-Teton national Forest Avalanche Center will expire at 9 PM tonight. Conditions will still be dangerous in the backcountry. Large slab avalanches are possible on steep avalanche prone slopes. These slabs are likely to be triggered by humans in steep avalanche starting zones. Natural releases are possible. Avalanches involving the new snow could be 1 to 3 feet deep. Avalanches that step down to persistent weak layers could be 2 to 5 feet deep. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable. Expert snow stability and terrain evaluation skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
