Above 8000 feet, the chance continues for riders or skiers to trigger large avalanches involving weak snow near the base of the snowpack. Such an event could occur even after a slope has been tracked when a particularly thin or weak spot on a slope is impacted. Inspecting the snowpack to the ground to evaluate whether the weak layer is present is essential to identifying whether a slope could still fail. Avalanches below 8000 feet are unlikely today
Large persistent slabs avalanches up to four feet in depth can be human triggered on steep slopes. These slabs lie on north facing terrain at 8000 feet and quickly involve more aspects as elevations increase and the presence of the weak snow from November becomes more widespread.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of snow are expected until 11 pm. From that time through noon on Christmas, periods of light snow are expected. Christmas afternoon holds a chance for flurries as skies slowly clear. Temperatures in the mountains are to start in the teen tomorrow with highs near twenty degrees. Southwest to west winds are to be light. If several more inches of snow is received overnight, the general avalanche hazard in the Tetons will be Considerable at the mid and upper elevations. Skiers and riders will have the potential to trigger wind slabs to eighteen inch depths and deeper persistent slabs to as much as four feet. Avalanches at low elevations will remain unlikely. In the Southwest Trails and Togwotee pass areas, the danger rating will remain Moderate with the persistent slab problem continuing above 8000 feet in areas where the weak faceted snow that was buried in late November could still fail. Do not underestimate the Moderate rating as slopes that have been tracked could still fail if a particular weak spot is impacted. Have a safe and merry Christmas day.
