The snow pack remains unstable. Very large slab avalanches are likely to be triggered by humans and can still release naturally. Yesterday in the Teton area a very large avalanche released naturally and ran full track. A snowmobiler triggered a very large slab avalanche and a skier remotely triggered a large slab avalanche. Similar conditions exist in the Togwotee Pass area and these type of events are likely to occur here today. Sunshine and warming temperatures will be increasing the likelihood for these dangerous slides to release. The consequences of being caught in one of these slabs would be severe. Expert terrain analysis skills and conservative terrain choices are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Dense slabs up to four feet in depth lie upon a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. These slabs could be triggered on a variety of aspects by the weight of a single person, release naturally or release after they have been crossed by multiple skiers or riders.
Wind slabs up to two feet in depth could be human triggered on convex rollovers and in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones. Once triggered these slabs could step down and create a large deep persistent slab avalanche.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )High pressure will remain over western Wyoming through Wednesday. Skies will remain mostly clear with areas of fog and low status clouds developing overnight and lasting into the afternoon hours. Overnight temperatures are forecast to drop to around zero. Daytime highs will rise into the 20s. Winds will become southwesterly and increase to 10 to 20 miles per hour in the afternoon.Dangerous slabs lie upon a buried weak layer of faceted snow. Slab avalanches with depths from two to six feet could be triggered by the weight of single person or be triggered after a slope has been crossed by multiple skiers or riders. Natural releases remain a possibility. The consequences of being caught in one of these slabs would be severe. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. Conservative terrain choices and excellent terrain analysis skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
