The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet. Rain and warm temperatures are increasing the potential for wet snow avalanches to occur in cliff areas and on very steep slopes. Wet slab and loose wet avalanches are possible at the higher elevations. At the lower elevations very shallow wet loose sloughs are possible on steep slopes that are snow covered.
Shallow wet slabs 6 to 18 inches in depth are possible on very steep slopes on a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations. Some potential may develop, above an elevation of 9,000 feet, for wet slabs with depths to three feet to be human triggered by riders who venture in steep north facing avalanche paths.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Another Pacific system, although a weak one will move into the area Tonight and into Wednesday and bring another round of rain and snow. This looks to be a warmer system, with snow levels rising from 7,000 to 7,500 feet tonight to around 8,500 feet on Wednesday morning. The steadiest precipitation will occur later tonight and into Wednesday morning before tapering off fairly quickly in the afternoon. Temperatures will be near 30 degrees at all elevation by morning and will rise into the 30s and 40s in the mountains and to near 50 in the valleys. Winds will be westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour.Mostly stable snow exists. Recent new snow has been dense and has been bonding well to old snow surfaces. Strong winds yesterday caused extensive drifting at the higher elevations. At the upper elevations small pockets of wind slab up to a foot deep may retain some potential for humans to trigger them in cliff areas and very steep avalanche starting zones. The last large slab avalanche observed, occurred near the end of a major storm cycle on Friday or Saturday. This slab avalanche released naturally on a northeast aspect at an elevation of 10,600 feet north of Togwotee Pass. Very warm conditions are expected tomorrow. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW to MODERATE on Wednesday, depending on elevation, location, the freezing level and the amount of rain and snow we get overnight.
