Dangerous avalanche conditions exist at the higher elevations. Large avalanches could be triggered by humans or release naturally on steep avalanche prone slopes. Multiple natural avalanche events and several avalanche accidents have occurred in the Teton Area during the past several days. Similar events are possible in the Togwotee Pass area. It is important to realize that most recreational avalanche fatalities occur during periods of considerable or moderate hazard. Conservative terrain choices and excellent route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Surface slabs could be triggered by humans on a variety of aspects at the higher elevations. These slabs could be up to two feet deep at the higher elevations and up to 12 inches deep below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
Buried layers of faceted snow exist in the snowpack. Large persistent slab avalanches could fail on these layers with depths to 4 feet at the higher elevations and 2 feet at the lower elevations. These dangerous slabs could fail naturally or be triggered by the weight of a single person or the release of a surface slab.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light to moderate snowfall are expected overnight. Accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the mountains. Valleys could receive an inch. Skies will be partly cloudy on Thursday with a slight chance of mountain snow showers. Temperatures are forecast to drop into the single digits below zero tonight. Daytime highs will rise into the positive single digits in the mountains and into the teens in the valleys. Northwest winds will remain light at 5 to 15 miles per hour and will veer towards the west and increase later in the day.Conditions are ripe for serious avalanche accidents. Large to very large slab avalanches could be triggered by humans on a variety of aspects at all elevations. These slabs could be two to five feet deep and may run long distances. In these conditions, especially in areas where the snowpack is shallow and has poor structure, snowpack stability assessment is difficult. The consequences of being caught in a large slab avalanche are likely to be severe. Monitor conditions. Direct sunlight, warming temperatures and any significant increase in winds could quickly elevate the avalanche hazard. The general avalanche hazard rating is forecast to be considerable in all areas and at elevations. It is important to realize that most recreational avalanche fatalities occur during periods of considerable to moderate hazard. Conservative terrain choices and excellent route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
