Temperature inversions strengthened overnight, and the mountains are starting out between 10 and 15 degrees warmer than yesterday morning. Small to large persistent slab avalanches remain the primary concern. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could still trigger these slabs in steep, avalanche prone terrain. The potential to trigger these slabs varies from slope to slope, and previous tracks should not be taken as a sign of stability. As the day warms, these slabs may become easier to trigger on sunlit aspects. With the exception of small, isolated pockets on steep terrain features, the snowpack is mostly stable below 7,500 feet, and avalanche activity is unlikely.
Poor snowpack structure is widespread on Togwotee Pass. Basal facets, near-surface facets, surface hoar, and crusts all persist in the snowpack. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders still have the potential to trigger persistent slab avalanches with depths between 1 and 3 feet. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, are more likely to initiate one of these slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect mostly clear skies tonight followed by some cloud cover during the day as limited Pacific moisture rides up the trailing edge of the ridge of high pressure residing over the area. Temperature inversions will strengthen overnight with mountain lows in the mid-teens. The valleys will start out around 10 degrees cooler, and afternoon highs at all elevations will climb to around 30 degrees. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard in the Tetons is expected to remain Considerable on Monday. Skiers and riders could easily trigger large to very large persistent slab avalanches failing on faceted snow that was buried at the beginning of the last storm cycle. Some potential may remain for skiers and riders to trigger deeper slabs on faceted snow that developed earlier in the season. Warming temperatures and sunshine will make these slabs more prone to human triggers as the day progresses.Moderate hazard is expected to continue in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones. On a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet, the primary concern will be large to very large, human triggered persistent slab avalanches. In the Southwest Trails forecast zone, avalanche activity just involving the recent snowfall will also be possible.
