Above an elevation of 9,000 feet, skiers and riders have the potential to trigger pockets of soft slab. These slabs have been formed by varying winds and lie on multiple aspects in very steep terrain. In isolated areas, some potential may also persist for snowmobilers to trigger deep hard slabs in steep avalanche prone terrain. Below 9000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanche activity is not expected.
Pockets of wind slab could be human triggered today. These slabs are formed by new and recent snow to depths to two feet. These slabs lie in steep upper elevation starting zones and could increase in sensitivity as they are weakened by warming temperatures as well as by potential new snowfall.
Weak layers of faceted snow persist in the snowpack. At the upper elevations some potential may remain for snowmobilers to trigger hard slab avalanches with depths to four feet in steep, avalanche-prone slopes.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories or winter storm warnings for western Wyoming. A storm centered over the great basin and moving east will bring snow to the area tonight and Tuesday. This storm will favor the southern forecast areas yet widespread accumulations are expected in all areas. Four to eight inches could fall by morning with more snow expected during the day. Northeast winds are to have averages of 15 to 25 mph.The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet where wind slabs to two foot depths could be triggered in steep terrain. Snowfall and Northeast winds are not common so watch for loading in atypical areas tomorrow. A slight chance for deeper instabilities to be triggered in isolated areas also continues in high terrain in the Togwotee Pass area. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely in the mostly stable snowpack.
