The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500. Buried layers of weak faceted snow persist. Monday a snowmobiler was partially buried after triggering a slab avalanche on a southeast aspect in the upper portion of the Split Rock Creek drainage. Similar events are possible today on a variety of aspects at the higher elevations. Below 8,500 feet the hazard is Low and avalanches are not expected.
Weak faceted snow persists in the snowpack. In some areas this snow exists as layers that vary in thickness while in shallow areas the entire snowpack can be faceted. Consolidated snow resting on these layers can be triggered by backcountry enthusiasts. These slabs could be shallow and small in size or could involve snow to the ground to 30 inches.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A small upper level disturbance from the southwest and cold arrive from the north are to collide over the area resulting in the chance for snow tonight through tomorrow. Two to five inches could potentially fall in the mountains while up to three inches could fall in the valleys. High temperatures in the mountains are to reach the upper teens and west-southwest winds are to average ten to twenty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate at upper elevations in the Togwotee Pass and Teton areas and at all elevations in in the Greys River Area. In such avalanche terrain backcountry travelers could trigger slabs that lie upon faceted snow to depths of thirty inches. In steep north facing terrain above 9000 feet a slight potential persists for full depth avalanches at the base of the snowpack.
