Backcountry travelers have the potential to trigger wind slabs that were formed during the past weekend's storm. Above 8000 feet watch for terrain features where recent loading has occurred. Pockets of instability are most likely to be found in steep avalanche starting zones near ridge crests and near cliff areas. At lower elevations, avalanches are less likely but still possible. Watch for isolated terrain features that were loaded by recent winds and are very steep. Remember that even small avalanches can seriously injure people or bury them in terrain traps.
Soft slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind loaded areas. These slabs are more likely to be found at higher elevations where they could have depths of one to three feet. At the lower elevations, slabs could be triggered in isolated pockets in very steep terrain. This hazard could increase in the afternoon in areas that receive significant sunlight and undergo rapid warming.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect skies to clear and temperatures to drop overnight. In the morning, temps could be 10-20 below zero in the valleys and ten below on the summits. Skies are to be mostly sunny with highs in the low twenties. Winds are to be light. The general avalanche hazard will continue to be Moderate above 9000 feet in the Teton area and above 8000 feet in the Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass areas. Above those elevations, soft slabs with depths of one to three feet could be triggered in some areas that were wind loaded during the recent storm. At lower elevations, isolated pockets of slab could be triggered in very steep avalanche prone terrain.
