In very steep, avalanche prone terrain above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders still have some potential of triggering small to large, recently developed wind slabs. Large to very large deep persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. The snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet this morning. As the day warms, the possibility of triggering a small to large persistent slab avalanche may increase down low. Moderate hazard is not a green light. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, make prudent terrain choices, and continue to be wary of large cornices and the terrain below them.
Recently developed, dense wind slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders on a variety of aspects in very steep, avalanche prone terrain above 7,500 feet. These slabs, with depths of one to three feet, could become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects as the day warms.
Poor snowpack structure is widespread on Togwotee Pass, and the weight of a single person is still sufficient to trigger a deep persistent slab avalanche. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, the release of a wind slab or a cornice failure, are more likely than an individual skier to trigger one of these deadly avalanches. Slab depths are likely to vary from three to six feet at the higher elevations and one to three feet at the lower elevations.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will move in and out tonight through Monday, and a few light snow flurries could occur. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the negative single digits before rising into the low teens in the afternoon. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The threat of avalanches will continue to slowly decrease, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Monday. In very steep, avalanche prone terrain above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders still have some potential of triggering recently developed wind slabs with depths of one to three feet. Deep persistent slab avalanches are still a concern, particularly on Togwotee Pass where poor snowpack structure is widespread. The weight of a single person might still be sufficient to trigger one of these slabs if a shallow, weak zone is encountered. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, the release of a wind slab or a cornice failure, are more likely than an individual skier to trigger one of these deadly avalanches. In the Tetons, these slabs could range from four to eight feet deep, and slab depths in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones are likely to vary from three to six feet. After a hard freeze overnight, the snowpack is expected to be mostly stable below 7,500 feet in the morning. As the day warms, the possibility of triggering a slab avalanche up to three feet deep may increase in isolated areas. Moderate hazard is not a green light. Evaluate the snowpack carefully, make prudent terrain choices, and continue to be wary of large cornices and the terrain below them.
