Weak layers of faceted snow persist in the snowpack. Areas of instability associated with these weak layers exist on steep slopes at the mid and upper elevations. On some steep slopes the weight of a single person could trigger a large slab avalanche. Larger triggers like snowmachines and groups of skiers may be more likely to trigger one of these slabs. As these slabs become less sensitive to human triggers unstable slopes may not fail until they have been crossed multiple times. For this reason previous tracks on a slope should not be considered to be an indication of stability. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Slab avalanches up to 2 feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single person on steep slopes above an elevation of 8,000 feet. It could be possible for a person to trigger one of these slab avalanches on a slope that has tracks from previous skiers or snowmobilers.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Western Wyoming is in between weather systems. Temperatures will become inverted while clear skies allow temperatures to drop into the single digits and teens below zero overnight. Snow will move into the southern Salt River Range and Wyoming Range in the morning and last into Wednesday night. However accumulations of only an inch or two are likely. Areas to the north will stay dry and cold. Temperatures will rise into the teens. Winds will back to the southwest and southeast and remain mostly light at 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation. Areas of instability remain. On some steep slopes the weight of a single person could still trigger a slab avalanche up to 30 inches deep. Previous tracks should not be considered to be an indication of stability. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
