In steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations some potential remains for skiers and riders to trigger large persistent slab avalanches on older buried layers of faceted snow. New snow will begin to accumulate on recently formed sun crust and areas of well-developed surface hoar. As the day progresses shallow, new snow sloughs may occur on very steep slopes and in cliff areas. Shallow, pockets of new wind slab may begin to develop in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Monitor conditions for increasing hazard and carefully evaluate terrain and the snowpack. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
In steep terrain at the mid and upper elevations slab avalanches up to 3 feet in depth could be triggered by humans on persistent weak layers of faceted snow.
A winter storm warming is in effect for the Teton Range and a winter weather advisory is in effect for the Salt River Range, Wyoming Range, Wind River Range and the western valleys for tonight through Friday morning.Light snowfall will continue over the region tonight and will increase in the morning and possibly become heavy by mid-morning. That snowfall will again become light to moderate in the afternoon and evening. Forecast snowfall amounts are 4 to 6 inches in the valleys, 6 to 10 inches in the mountain. Higher amounts are possible in the Teton Range. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s. Winds will be from the southwest to west at 20 with gusts to 35 miles per hour.New snow and winds are expected to create dangerous avalanche conditions on steep slopes and increase the general avalanche hazard to considerable. New soft slabs are expected to grow to depths of 1 to 2 feet. These slabs are likely to be sensitive to human triggers and may release naturally. In steep areas with poor snow structure large slab avalanches that step down into the old snow and fail on persistent weak layers could be triggered by humans with depths from 2 to 4 feet. Monitor conditions for increasing hazards. Excellent snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
