The general avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above an elevation of 8,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the mid and upper elevations strong westerly winds and new snow have created unstable wind slabs on leeward aspects. These slabs could be human triggered by the weight of a single person and could step down to a weak layer of faceted snow that formed in mid-October on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.
Today's west to west-northwest winds will continue to load leeward slopes. Humans who venture into steep wind loaded avalanche starting zones at the mid and upper elevations (8,000 to 10,500 feet) could triggered surface slabs one to two feet deep. On steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet these slabs could step down to a depth of three feet.
Weak faceted snow persist at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. Dense slabs up to three feet in depth could be triggered by humans on this persistent weak layer. Previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light to moderate snow with brisk west winds will continue overnight. Light snowfall will linger over the mountains on Sunday. Another four to six inches of new snow are expected overnight and on Sunday. Temperatures will drop into the upper single digits overnight and remain in the teens on Sunday. West winds are forecast to diminish to 20 miles per hour. Humans who venture into avalanche terrain could trigger wind slabs up to two feet deep on steep slopes and persistent slabs up to 40 inches in depth on steep northerly aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the higher elevations, MODERATE at the mid elevations and LOW at the lower elevations. Please note that Grand Targhee Ski Resort will be closed to uphill travel on Monday through Thursday as the resort prepares for a Friday opening.
