Weak faceted snow persists in the lower snowpack and continues to be a concern on steep slopes. Air temperatures are rising and are about 20 degrees warmer then yesterday morning. They will continue to rise and will increase the potential for skiers or riders to trigger slab avalanches up to three feet deep on steep avalanche prone slopes. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 7,500 feet.
On some steep slopes slabs up to three feet deep lie upon weak depth hoar and could be triggered by the weight of a single rider or skier. The potential to trigger one of these slabs will increase as temperatures rise. Conservative terrain choices are warranted.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The southwest flow will bring thickening clouds overnight and light snow by Wednesday morning as a Pacific trough approaches the region. Snowfall will be moderate to heavy at times late Wednesday afternoon and evening. Mountain temperatures will drop to the mid teens overnight then climb to the upper 20s during the day. Ridges will experience southwest winds at 15 miles per hour.The General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE. In the Tetons it will be possible for backcountry travelers to trigger soft slab avalanches to a foot or more in depth on steep slopes just under ridgetops or below cliffbands. In the Southwest Trails/Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas weak, faceted snow below the surface continues to hold the possibility for skiers or riders to trigger hard slabs to three feet in depth in steep, avalanche terrain.
