Weak faceted snow persists within the snowpack and continues to be a concern on steep slopes. The potential exits for people to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet deep on steep slopes. New snow and wind have created surface slabs on steep, lee slopes at higher elevations.
In some areas persistent slabs up to three feet deep lie upon weak depth hoar and could be triggered by the weight of a single rider or skier. Conservative terrain choices are warranted.
New snowfall and westerly winds have created easily triggered slabs to 10 inches in depth on steep, lee slopes at higher elevations. The slabs rest on poorly bonding graupel snow over wind pack or slick sun crusts and could be easily triggered.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Light snow is possible overnight with flurries possible Monday before a dry ridge of high pressure moves into the area Monday evening. Temperatures at 9,000 feet will be in the single digits in the morning then warm to the mid teens. Winds will continue at 25 miles per hour from the west overnight then slow to 10 miles per hour from the north to northwest by late Monday morning.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Monday backcountry travelers in the Tetons and Southwest Trails/Greys River areas will have the potential to easily trigger firm wind slabs to 18 inches in depth on steep, lee slopes particularly near ridge crests or areas with good cross-loading. Temperatures will be low Monday but be alert to poorly bonding graupel on smooth crusts. Periods of sunshine will also increase the chance of triggering slabs and sloughs on sunlit aspects.In the Greys River/Southwest Trails area and The Togwotee Pass area weak snow at the base of the snowpack still holds the potential for users to trigger persistent slabs to three feet in depth on steep slopes.
