Human triggered avalanches continue to be a hazard in steep terrain at all elevations. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist especially above an elevation of 8,500 feet. Snowmobilers or skiers who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones, large bowls, chutes and steep avalanche prone terrain features could trigger slab avalanches on a variety of aspects. Deep, large slab avalanches continue to be a hazard in steep north facing terrain at the upper elevations. Conservative terrain choices are essential today.
The chance continues for backcountry travelers to initiate very large and destructive deep slab avalanches that could involve the full depth of the snowpack. The weak snow associated with this problem is deeply buried near the base of the snowpack on northwest through northeast aspects above 9000 feet.
Surface slabs formed by southwest to west winds during the most recent storm cycle could be human triggered on a variety of aspects. These slabs could be up to three feet deep. These slabs may be more sensitive to human triggers during the warmer portion of the day.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Skies will be mostly clear with some areas of morning valley fog. Overnight lows will drop to near zero in the mountains and to around minus 20 in the coldest valley locations. Daytime highs will rise to near 20 degrees at all elevations. Winds will remain light and variable.Human triggered avalanches will continue to be a hazard in steep terrain at all elevations. Surface slabs formed by southwest to west winds during the recent storm cycle could be triggered by skiers or riders in steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones, cliff areas and steep couloirs. These slabs could be one to three feet in depth and could be more sensitive to human triggers during the warmer portion of the day. In steep active avalanche terrain that faces north above an elevation of 9,000 feet some potential may persist for humans to trigger full depth deep slab avalanches with severe consequences. These very dangerous slabs are more likely to be triggered by snow machines in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE in the Greys River area and the higher elevations of the Teton (>9,000 feet) and the Togwotee Pass (>8,500 feet) areas and MODERATE below those elevations. A conservative approach to active avalanche terrain is warranted.
