Above 7500 feet the chance continues for skiers and riders to trigger wind slabs formed during the previous week's snowfall. These slabs have gained strength over the last few days but could still be initiated in very steep terrain features, particularly in unsupported slopes above cliff bands or near ridge lines where loading is frequent. Evaluate terrain and snow carefully to identify features of concern. The slight possibility for a deep slab avalanche, involving weak layers near the base of the snowpack also persists. At low elevations, avalanches are unlikely except for small isolated pockets in the steepest terrain.
Slabs formed by strong winds and snowfall during the past week can be triggered in steep terrain above 7500 feet. These slabs could have depths of 1 to 3 feet.
Some possibility might remain for a persistent deep slab avalanche to be triggered if a thin spot in a large avalanche path is impacted. If one of these large to very large avalanches were to occur, they would more likely be stepping down from the release of a wind slab or triggered by a cornice drop. With depths ranging from three to six feet, involvement in one of these destructive avalanches could easily result in a fatality.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Lingering light snow showers will continue to taper off this evening. Skies will be mostly clear to clear tonight allowing for significant cooling. By sunrise, temperatures are to be below zero at all elevations. During the day, mostly sunny skies will allow temps to quickly rise into the upper teens in the mountains, and into the upper twenties at the lower elevations. Northerly winds will back to the west during the day with ten to fifteen mile per hour averages. During the afternoon, clouds are to increase and the chance for occasional light snow showers is to develop. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 7500 feet and low below that elevation. Recently formed wind slabs with depths to three feet could still be triggered by backcountry travelers. In the Southwest and Togwotee Pass areas, an unlikely chance continues for large triggers such as cornice drops, larger moving surface slabs or snowmobiles to trigger a large deep hard slab if a particularly thin spot on a slope is impacted.
