Westerly winds that veered to the west-northwest have formed new wind slabs on leeward aspects. These surface slabs are likely to be easily triggered by humans in steep avalanche starting zones. Dangerous deep slabs with depths to five feet pose a very serious hazard to humans in upper elevation slide paths. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations except in isolated terrain features. Excellent snow stability assessment and route finding skills are essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Strong winds and new snow have increased the load on very dangerous deep slabs that persist on east through north to west facing slopes above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These destructive slabs could be human triggered with depths to five feet. Natural releases are possible.
Soft surface slabs are likely to be easily triggered in steep avalanche starting zones above an elevation of 7,500 feet. These slabs will be generally one to two feet deep. At lower elevations isolated pockets of wind slab less than a foot in depth could be human triggered in features like steep banks and road cuts.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Moderate to heavy snowfall should continue into the evening and then rapidly decrease with at least partial clearing by sunrise. This snowfall is expected to favor the Teton Range, northern portions of our forecast region and Yellowstone National Park. Strong winds will continue through the evening and into the morning and veer to the northwest with gusts to 50 miles per hour. Temperatures will fall into the single digits by daybreak and rise into the teens during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE. This rating is dependent on the intensity and duration of this evenings snowfall. Wind slabs one to three feet in deep are likely to be easily triggered by humans in steep avalanche prone terrain. At the upper elevations very dangerous deep slabs up to six feet in depth could also be human triggered or release naturally. Excellent snow stability assessment and route finding skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
