On steep north facing slopes, persistent slabs lie upon faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. These slabs could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or by recently developed wind slabs being triggered and stepping down to this weak layer. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid elevations and very shallow snow depths and areas of bare ground exist at the lower elevations.
Backcountry travelers venturing into very steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain might be able to trigger recently developed pockets of wind slab with depths of one to two feet. Avoid areas of dense wind affected snow in exposed terrain, particularly if they have a hollow, drum like feel.
Some potential persist for skiers and riders to trigger older slabs up to three feet in depth on steep, northerly aspects above an elevation an 9,000 feet. These slabs lie upon a mid-October drought surface that is comprised of faceted snow. Thin areas of these slabs may be potential trigger points and previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability.
Expect some cloud cover and a chance for light, scattered flurries in the Togwotee Pass area as a Canadian cold front brushes the region east of the continental divide. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid 20s before climbing back into the mid 30s during the day on Monday. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above 9,000 feet on Monday. Backcountry travelers venturing into very steep, shaded avalanche terrain might be able to trigger dense slabs up to three feet in depth. These slabs lie upon faceted snow from the October drought period. The general avalanche hazard below 9,000 feet, where this weak layer does not exist, is expected to be LOW and avalanches are unlikely.
