The hazard will be on the increase through the day as new snow loads a snowpack that has persistent instabilities. Loose snow sloughs and pockets of new soft slab up to a foot in depth are likely to be human triggered in steep terrain. At the mid and upper elevations these surface slides or the weight of a single person could trigger dangerous, persistent slab avalanches with depths to three feet. Natural avalanche activity is possible, especially in association with gusty winds that are expected to accompany the passage of a cold front in the afternoon. Cautious route finding and a conservative approach to avalanche terrain and run out zones are essential for safe travel in the mountains today.
Persistent slabs with depths up to three feet lie upon a base of weak, faceted snow. These dangerous slabs could be triggered by the weight of a single person of by a human triggered or naturally released surface slab or loose snow slough. These slabs could release on approach and propagate across terrain boundaries.
Steady light snowfall is expected overnight south of Salt River Pass as the low pressure system tracks east across Utah and Colorado. Some partial clearing is possible in the morning. Low clouds and flurries are likely in the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the teens. Winds will back to the northwest.Snow structure remains poor, especially in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas. Recent new snow lies upon a weak base of faceted snow. Dangerous slab avalanches with depths of one to three feet remain sensitive to the weight of a single person in steep terrain. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. Excellent terrain evaluation skills and a conservative approach to avalanche terrain are essential for safe travel in the mountains.
