The snowpack is weak and faceted. Backcountry travelers have the potential to trigger persistent slabs on a variety of aspects and elevations. Isolated pockets of newly formed soft slab could also be triggered in steep, wind-loaded terrain to depths of six inches. Careful snowpack and terrain evaluation followed by thoughtful decision making will be necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.
Persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. These layers formed during cold, dry periods that were buried on December 8th and January 5th. These slabs could fail from the weight of a single person. Larger loads, such as groups of people or snowmachines, are more likely to trigger one of these events.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light, scattered snow showers will continue overnight before diminishing during the day on Monday. Cloud cover will also decrease as the day progresses. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near ten degrees before rising into the mid to upper teens during the day. Westerly to northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Monday. Skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs in steep, wind-loaded terrain. The chance remains to trigger deeper slabs that formed during the last storm cycle. These slides could be up to four feet deep. Faceted snow near the base of the snowpack remains a concern in the Togwotee Pass area. In the Tetons and the Greys River area, a slight chance persists for avalanche activity on these basal facets.
