Strong winds and new snow have created dangerous conditions and loaded a snowpack that has poor structure and buried weak layers of faceted snow. At the upper elevations large slab avalanches are likely to be human triggered by skiers and snowmobilers on steep wind loaded terrain features. These slab avalanches could be some of the largest of the season and may have severe consequences. At the mid and lower elevations small to large slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by humans on steep terrain features. Conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
At the mid and upper elevations slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by skiers or riders on steep avalanche prone slopes. These slabs will fail on buried weak layers of faceted snow and could be 1 to 3 feet deep. Below an elevation of 8,000 feet pockets of wind slab lie upon depth hoar and could be human triggered with depths to 2 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will decrease overnight as the moisture associated with this weather system moves away from the area. Temperatures will be near or below zero by morning. Skies will be clearing on Monday with lingering snow showers and areas of blowing snow during the early morning hours. Temperatures will rise into the single digits above zero in the mountains and into the upper single digits and low teens in the valleys. Winds will be northerly and subside to speeds of 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable at the mid and upper elevations of the Teton area. Slab avalanches formed by west-southwest to west-northwest winds are likely to be triggered by humans who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones and terrain features. These slabs could be up to two feet in depth and could step down to depths of three feet if they fail on persistent weak layers of faceted snow that formed earlier in the season. These slab avalanches could be some of the largest of the season and may have severe consequences. Conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain. Lesser amounts of snow have fallen so far in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas. In these areas and at the lower elevations of the Teton area the general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate. In these areas small to large slab avalanches one to three feet in depth could be human triggered in steep wind loaded avalanche stating zones and terrain features. A careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain is necessary for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
