A buried layer of weak, faceted snow maintains the possibility of human triggered slab avalanches in steep terrain. New snow and westerly winds will develop soft slabs through the day on steep, lee slopes at higher elevations. Backcountry travelers must keep alert to increasing snow depths and avoid steep, lee slopes in the afternoon. The new snow will also increase the chance of releasing deeper slabs. Conservative terrain choices are advised.
Slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could be triggered by people on steep slopes. The sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers is expected to increase with the stress of new snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )An area of low pressure and an associated cold front will quickly move across the region on Sunday. Snow is expected to develop overnight, become widespread and increase in intensity during the morning hours. New snow accumulations of four to seven inches are possible at the higher elevations by Monday morning. Southwest to west winds at 25 to 35 miles per hour will accompany this snowfall. Temperatures will be in the 20s.The new snow and wind will begin to create pockets of new soft slab on leeward aspects. These slabs could build to depths of six to 12 inches by Sunday afternoon. The general avalanche hazard is anticipated to be MODERATE in the Southwest Trails/Greys River area and at the higher elevations of the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass and the Teton areas.
