Southwest winds that veered to the west-northwest have formed new wind slabs on leeward aspects. These surface slabs are likely to be easily triggered in steep avalanche starting zones. Dangerous deep slabs with depths to six feet pose a very serious hazard to humans in upper elevation slide paths. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations except in isolated terrain features. Excellent snow stability assessment and route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Strong winds and new snow have increased the load on very dangerous deep slabs that persist on east through north to west facing slopes above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These destructive slabs could be human triggered with depths to six feet. Natural releases are possible.
Soft surface slabs are likely to be easily triggered in steep avalanche starting zones at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs will be generally one to two feet deep but could be up to three feet deep. At the lower elevations isolated pockets of wind slab less than a foot in depth could be human triggered in features like steep banks and road cuts.
Thursday will be mostly clear with inversion condition expected in the morning. At sunrise summit temperatures are to be near zero degrees while valleys drop to near ten below. Valley fog is possible over Jackson Hole and Star valleys. Highs during the afternoon near twenty degrees expected at all elevations. Winds are to be light and from the west.The general avalanche hazard will remain Considerable at the higher elevations. The chance continues of a single person triggering wind slabs to two feet depths. Large and dangerous persistent deep slabs could also be triggered be human triggered. These slabs will be most susceptible to larger triggers such as snow machines although a single person could still cause failure if a particularly weak spot in the snowpack is hit.
