At the higher elevations slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture into steep avalanche starting zones, cliff areas and steep couloirs. Periods of sunshine could increase the hazard and the potential for loose snow slides to occur on steep sunlit aspects. Deep slab avalanches also continue to be an unlikely but possible threat for snowmobilers who climb steep avalanche prone slopes. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,000 feet.
Slab avalanches could be triggered by skiers or riders in steep avalanche prone terrain above an elevation of 8,000 feet. These slabs could be one to two feet deep. Periods of sunshine could increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers.
Although the likelihood of triggering a deep hard slab avalanche is limited, the consequences remain severe. These dangerous hard slab avalanches could be three to five feet deep and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmachine. Previous tracks may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The flow will back from the southwest to the northwest as the low pressure trough moves east. Colder and dryer air will move into the region behind this departing weather system. Skies will be mostly to partly cloudy with a decreasing chance of scattered snow showers. Temperatures will be mostly in the teens and 20s in the mountains and in the upper teens to 30s in the valleys. Winds will be light from the west-northwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE above an elevation of 7,500 feet and LOW below that elevation. Soft surface slabs 1 to 3 feet in depth could be triggered in upper elevation avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Periods of sunshine and warming temperatures will increase the potential for these slabs to be human triggered and for loose snow slides to occur on steep slopes. Deep persistent slabs with depths to five feet may still be a concern in isolated avalanche paths in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River forecast areas.
