Small to very large persistent slab avalanches can be triggered by the weight of a single person on avalanche prone slopes. At all elevations persistent weak layers can be found in our snowpack. In areas with a deeper snowpack this problem layer is further below the surface, may be harder to trigger, and can produce very large avalanches. In areas where the snow is shallower, persistent slabs are likely to be easier to trigger but smaller. Today's warming temperatures and sunshine may increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. Loose snow sluffs are possible on very steep slopes. Expert terrain evaluation skills are essential and conservation terrain choices are warranted.
Dangerous slab avalanches can be human triggered on avalanche prone slopes. These slabs could be one to two feet deep at the lower elevations and 2 to 4 feet deep at the mid and upper elevations. These avalanches could be triggered on suspect slopes that have existing tracks.
A weak weather disturbance will pass to the southwest of the forecast area and bring light snow tonight that is expected to last over the Southwest Trails area into tomorrow morning. Accumulation amounts are expected to be an inch or less. Partly cloudy skies will clear during the day. Temperatures should start cold in the single digits to low teens and then warm into the teens and twenties. Northerly winds are expected to be light. Skiers and riders could trigger small to large persistent slab avalanches on a variety of aspects and elevations. The daily warming along with sunshine may increase the potential to trigger slab avalanches. Above 7,500 feet, in the Southwest Trails and Teton forecast area, where slab depths could be two to four feet, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable. In the Togwotee Pass forecast area above 8,000 feet, where slab depths could be one to two feet, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Careful evaluation of the snowpack and safe terrain selection is warranted to travel in the backcountry.
