Avalanche conditions remain dangerous. Yesterday, three human triggered slides were reported across Western Wyoming, and one resulted in a full burial. Companion rescue was successful, and only minor injuries were sustained. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind loaded terrain could trigger small to large wind slabs above 7,500 feet. Large to very large persistent slab avalanches also remain a threat. While the abundant recent snowfall is very enticing, it is not worth risking your life. Great skiing and riding can easily be found in conservative terrain.
Sustained snowfall and southwesterly ridgetop winds have formed wind slabs in leeward terrain. Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger these slabs with depths of one to three feet in steep, wind loaded terrain.
A few breaks in cloud cover occurred yesterday, and another very large natural avalanche was reported in the Southern Tetons. This slide occurred recently, had an estimated crown depth of six feet and it connected three separate drainages. A skier also remotely triggered a very large avalanche on the Gros Ventre landslide, which failed on well-developed facets. In the mountains, similar avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers or step down from the release of a wind slab. In terrain where the snowpack is shallow, persistent slab avalanches could fail on large grained facets near the ground.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light snowfall and cloud cover will continue on Sunday. The cooling trend will also carry on with overnight mountain lows near zero degrees. Afternoon highs will be near 10. Westerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.Saturday’s avalanche events are a stark reminder that dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Considerable on Sunday. While the likelihood of triggering slides is slowly decreasing, the potential for very large, unsurvivable persistent slab avalanches will continue. Recently developed winds slabs, with depths of one to three feet, should also not be taken lightly. Skiers and riders will continue to be able to trigger both of these types of avalanches. Persistent slab avalanches could also step down from the release of a smaller wind slab. While the abundant recent snowfall is very enticing, it is not worth dying for. Great skiing and riding can easily be found in conservative terrain.
