At the higher elevations small slides are possible in extreme terrain. Small slides occurred in steep couloirs on Prospector Mountain, Cody Peak and on Mt. Hunt yesterday. Similar events are possible today. In extreme terrain like very steep couloirs, cliff areas and hanging snowfields these small slides can run fast, gain volume and become dangerous. A careful evaluation of the consequences of triggering a small slide is warranted. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
The new snow that fell on Saturday lies upon surface hoar and sun crusts. At the upper elevations small pockets of soft slab 4 to 12 inches deep and loose snow sloughs could be human triggered or release naturally. Periods of sunshine or intense snow showers could increase the likelihood for these events to occur.
Skies are forecast to be partly to mostly cloudy with scattered to isolated snow shower activity. Periods of sunshine are possible. Temperatures will remain in the teens and 20s. Winds will be west to southwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour.In the Teton Range the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW. Avalanches are unlikely except in extreme terrain. Skiers and riders who venture into steep couloirs, cliff areas and hanging snowfields could trigger loose snow sloughs and small slab avalanches that could very quickly gain enough speed and size to hurt a person. Periods of sunshine could increase the sensitivity of these small slabs and sloughs to human triggers and cause spontaneous releases. Careful evaluations of terrain and conditions are warranted. In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE. Some potential remains for snowmobilers to trigger dangerous deep slab avalanches. Although the likelihood of triggering a deep slab is low, consequences are severe.
