Avalanche conditions remain dangerous. Yesterday, two soft slabs involving the recent snowfall were triggered by backcountry travelers, and numerous natural avalanches have occurred over the last several days. In steep avalanche terrain, skiers and riders could trigger small to large, recently developed wind slabs. Very large, deep persistent slab avalanches continue to be a threat. Very large cornices also exist along high elevation ridgelines, and they should be given a wide berth. As the day warms, periods of sunshine could increase the likelihood of avalanche activity and cornice failures. If you choose to travel in avalanche terrain, conservative terrain choices and careful snowpack evaluation will be essential. Plenty of great skiing and riding can be found on low consequence slopes. Shallow wet slides might be possible in the afternoon on low elevation, sunlit slopes.
Recently developed, dense wind slabs could be triggered by skiers and riders on a variety of aspects in steep avalanche terrain. Above 7,500 feet, these slabs could range in depth from one to four feet, and be up to 18 inches deep below 7,500 feet.
Over six inches of snow water equivalent have been recently added on top of persistent weak layers of faceted snow deep in the snowpack. Backcountry travelers still have some potential of triggering deep persistent slab avalanches failing on these problem layers, and natural activity might still be possible. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, the release of a wind slab or a cornice drop, are more likely than an individual skier to initiate one of these deadly avalanches. Slab depths are likely to vary from four to eight feet at the higher elevations and two to four feet at the lower elevations.
Following a chance for a few light flurries overnight, skies will be partly cloudy to mostly sunny on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero before rising into the low teens in the afternoon. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.While the threat of avalanches is slowly decreasing, the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable on Sunday. In steep, avalanche prone terrain above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger recently developed wind slabs with depths of one to three feet. Deep persistent slab avalanches are still a concern. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles, the release of a wind slab or a cornice failure, are more likely than an individual skier to trigger one of these deadly avalanches. In the Tetons, these slabs could range from four to eight feet deep, and slab depths in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones are likely to vary from three to six feet. Shallow slides involving the recent snowfall, along with persistent slabs up to four feet deep, could be triggered below 7,500 feet. As the day warms, sunshine could increase the likelihood of avalanche activity on solar aspects. Continue to make conservative terrain choices, and stay off of large cornices and away from the terrain below them.
