A layer of buried faceted snow within the snowpack continues to be a concern in steep avalanche prone terrain. Persistent slab avalanches lie upon this week layer and could be human triggered on steep slopes. Air temperatures are 12 to 20 degrees warmer than yesterday morning and will continue to rise. Warming temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.
Dangerous slab avalanches up to three feet in depth could be triggered by humans on steep slopes. These slabs will become increasingly sensitive to human triggers as temperatures increase.
( 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.
