New snow and wind are adding to an existing problem of soft wind slabs that lie upon weak snow layers and hard crusts. Above 8000 feet, the hazard will be Moderate today as the potential develops for skiers and riders to trigger these slabs in wind loaded areas. This hazard is more prevalent at the higher elevations due to recent snowfall and will increase as the day progresses and both the size and sensitivity of the slabs increase. Below 7500 feet, avalanches are unlikely except for small small slides on isolated features. Monitor weather factors today, evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and identify wind loaded features for safe backcountry travel.
Above 8000 feet, new snow and west winds will create new soft wind slabs. At higher elevations, these slabs are adding to existing wind slabs formed from recent snow and winds that varied from south-southwest to the northeast. This danger will rise today as snow continues to fall. Potential slab depths could reach 2 feet at the upper elevations this afternoon and one foot at the mid elevations.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The next system is to bring increasing clouds overnight and snow by 5am to the Tetons and Togwotee areas and slightly later in the southern forecast area. By 5pm, six to eight inches of snow is expected with more to fall through Friday night. Temperatures are to remain on the cooler side with morning mountain temperatures in the single digits and highs in the mid-teens. Winds throughout the day are to be from the west with twenty to twenty five mile per hour averages. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet all day as new snow and wind add additional load to existing slabs that could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers. From 7500 to 9000 feet, the danger could increase from Low to Moderate, particularly in the afternoon as the new snow increases slab size and sensitivity. Below 7500 feet the danger will remain low until significant snowfall is received.
