It's warm. This morning's 5 am temperatures are in the mid to upper 30’s at the higher elevations and in the 40’s at the mid elevations. These warm temperatures are increasing the potential for small to large wet snow avalanches to release naturally and be triggered by humans. Wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes and could gouge down into the snowpack, gain volume, and run long distances. These potential wet snow avalanche hazards warrant a cautious approach to avalanche terrain. Wet snow surfaces, wet snow beneath the snow surface, a loss of strength in the snowpack and new avalanche activity are clear indications of instability.
Wet loose and wet slab avalanches are possible today on a variety of aspects. These slides could be 1 to 3 feet deep and on some slopes could step or gouge down to the ground.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Some mid and high-level clouds may begin to move into the area. Overnight lows are expected to be in the 30’s in the mountains. Its likely that tonight will be the warmest night yet. On Sunday temperatures will rise into the 40’s and 50’s in the mountains. A few clouds are possible. Winds will be light from the southwest to west.Exceptionally warm conditions will keep the wet snow avalanche hazard elevated. Repeated warm nights and hot days could initiate some wet slab avalanche activity in the Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas. If these wet slab avalanches occur, they are likely to be 1 to 3 feet deep, large and destructive. Wet loose avalanches are possible on a variety of aspects in steep terrain in all forecast areas. Monitor the snowpack for wet snow avalanche hazards and avoid avalanche terrain after the snow loses its strength. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be low in the early morning hours and quickly increase to moderate.
