Gusty winds with periods of light snowfall have been increasing the avalanche hazard. Backcountry travelers could encounter pockets of wind slab that are sensitive to human triggers in steep terrain. These slabs could carry and harm humans in terrain with consequences; like large bowls, steep chutes and cliff areas. The likelihood of triggering these slides diminishes below an elevation of 8,000 feet where less snow has fallen and winds have been lighter. Evaluate terrain snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.
Pockets of wind slab formed by west to southwest winds could be triggered by humans in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs could be up to two feet deep in some upper elevation avalanche starting zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )This rather strong westerly flow will continue to bring moisture in the form of widespread light snow to the mountains through Wednesday night. Another six inches of new snow is likely in the Teton Range and over the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park. Lesser amounts are expected in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River forecast areas. Temperatures will remain in the single digits and teens. Westerly winds will continue at speeds of 25 to 30 with gusts to 40 miles per hour.The general avalanches hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations in the Teton forecast area. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the higher elevations in the Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas and at the mid elevations in the Tetons. The hazard is expected to be LOW at the lower elevations in all three forecast areas. At the higher elevations wind slabs could be human triggered in steep avalanche prone terrain. These slabs are likely to be one to two foot deep in the Togwotee and Greys River areas and are expected to be more widespread, up to 30 inches deep and more sensitive to human triggers at the upper elevations of the Teton Range.
