Deep persistent slabs continue to be a significant hazard. A weak layer of faceted snow is deeply buried in the snowpack. Although it’s been a week since any new avalanche activity has occurred on this persistent weak layer it could still produce large slab avalanches. These dangerous slides could be triggered by the weight of a single skier or rider but are more sensitive to large triggers like snow machines or multiple sleds on the same slope. This avalanche hazard problem requires a careful assessment of the snowpack and terrain and conservative terrain choices. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
Large hard slabs two to four feet in depth could still be triggered on a persistent week layer that is present of a variety of aspects. The consequences of triggering a large, deep slab avalanche are likely to be severe.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Conditions will be dry through Wednesday night. Skies will be mostly sunny. Temperatures will rise into the 20s and 30s. Winds will back to the southwest at 15 to 20 with gusts to 30 miles per hour.In all areas the potential for skiers and riders to trigger large slab avalanches on a deeply buried persistent weak layer continues. These slabs could be two to five in depth. This avalanche hazard problem requires a careful assessment of the snowpack and terrain and conservative terrain choices.In the Teton area sunshine and warm temperatures will be impacting the new snow that fell yesterday. Loose snow slides are possible on steep slopes. Small pockets of surface slab up to two feet in depth could also be triggered by skiers and riders on steep avalanche prone slopes. Monitor conditions and be ready to move to cooler aspects and off of and out from under steep terrain if warming temperatures begin to create unstable conditions. The general avalanche hazard in all areas is expected to be MODERATE.
