Areas of instability exist. Human triggered slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes in areas with poor snowpack structure due to buried persistent weak layers. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully. We are sad to report that there was an avalanche fatality yesterday on Mt. Leidy in the Togwotee Pass area. A snowmobiler was caught, buried and did not survive. Avalanche specialist from the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center will investigate this incident today.
In steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches on buried persistent weak layers. These slab avalanches could be one to three feet deep. At the lower elevations recent new snow lies upon well developed faceted snow. In these areas small pockets of surface slab up to 18 inches in deep could be human triggered on isolated terrain features.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A low pressure trough is moving into the Pacific Northwest. Moisture ahead of this trough will move into our area overnight. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a chance for some light snow showers. Temperature inversions will remain in place. Overnight lows will be in the teens. Daytime highs will be in the 20s. Winds will be from the southwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate. Areas of instability exist. Human triggered slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes in areas with poor snowpack structure and/or buried persistent weak layers. These slabs could be one to three feet deep. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully.
