Over the past few days, many large to very large avalanches occurred. Southerly winds continue to load leeward slopes and avalanche conditions remain dangerous. Small to large avalanches are possible to be human triggered on steeps slopes on a variety of aspects at the mid and upper elevations and could be released naturally. At the lower elevations, human triggered avalanches are possible on steep terrain. Expert terrain assessment skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Strong and gusty winds have caused extensive drifting and cross-loaded avalanche starting zones on a variety of aspects. At all elevations recently formed wind slabs one to three feet in depth are possible to be triggered on steep wind loaded terrain features.
Dangerous deep slab avalanches could be human triggered on a variety of aspects or release naturally where today's winds continue to drift snow into avalanche starting zones. These persistent slab avalanches could step down to depths of 4 to 8 feet at the mid and upper elevations and to depths of 3 feet below an elevation on 7,500 feet. These very large avalanches could run full path into lower elevation run out zones.
The last in a series of storms will move through the Great Basin and into Western Wyoming. Areas of light snowfall will develop overnight and become widespread in the predawn hours. This system is fast moving with strong winds. It should bring 4 to 8 inches of snow to the mountains by Friday evening. Winds may gust from 50 to 60 miles per hour on the peaks. Temperatures will be in the teens in the mountains and in the 20’s at the lower elevations.Strong winds and new snow will form new wind slabs on leeward aspects. These small slabs may grow to depths of 8 to 16 inches and are likely to be sensitive to skiers and riders during this storm period. The blowing snow will also increase the load on persistent weak layers that have recently produced very large slab avalanches. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be considerable at the upper elevations and moderate or low (in the Togwotee Pass area) below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
