At the higher elevations persistent deep slab avalanches and wind slab avalanches could be triggered by humans on some steep avalanche prone slopes. Dangerous persistent slab avalanches are most likely to be initiated by larger triggers such as snowmachines or sizable cornice drops. These slabs are a potential hazard in areas where the lower portion of the snowpack is comprised of weak faceted snow. Conduct snow stability assessments. Previous tracks may not be an indication of stability. Sunshine and warming temperatures may increase the wet snow avalanche hazard on steep sunlit slopes during the warmest portion of the day.
Deep persistent slab avalanches could be human triggered with depths of three to six feet. Initiation of one of these dangerous slabs my take a larger trigger, such as a snow machine, impacting a weak, thin spot on a slope.
At the higher elevations humans could trigger pockets of wind slab 1 to 2 feet deep in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Dry snow avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Dry conditions with seasonal to slightly below average temperatures will continue through the weekend. Skies will be mostly clear on Friday. Winds will be light and from the northwest. Temperatures will drop into the single digits by morning and rise into the 20s and 30s during the day. Persistent deep slab avalanches could be triggered on some steep avalanche prone slopes in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River/Southwest Trails areas. These dangerous slabs could be three to six feet deep and are most likely to be initiated by larger triggers such as snowmachines and sizable cornice drops. Conduct snow stability assessments and understand that previous tracks may not indicate a slope is stable. At the higher elevations wind slab avalanches 1 to 2 feet deep could be triggered by humans who venture into steep avalanche starting zones. Sunshine and warming temperatures may increase the wet snow avalanche hazard on steep sunlit slopes during the warmest portion of the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to me moderate at the mid and upper elevations and low at the lower elevations.
