Tetons

Soft slabs lie in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain at the mid and high elevations. Backcountry travellers have the potential to trigger these slabs to depths of up to three feet, particularly on the west side of the Tetons where the most significant recent snowfall occurred. Increasing temperatures and sunlight will weaken the snow surface this afternoon, making these surface slabs more sensitive to failure as well as providing for the possibility of natural wet slide activity.

A weak low pressure system will bring increasing clouds and the chance for showers in the afternoon and evening on Friday. Thundershowers are possible and snow is only expected at the higher elevations as mountain highs in the forties are expected. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE at the high elevations in the Tetons and in the Greys River/Southwest Trails area and LOW elsewhere. In the Tetons, slabs to two feet could be triggered in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain above 9000 feet. In the Greys River/Southwest trails area slabs to eighteen inches could be triggered and in the Togwotee Pass area slabs to a foot could release in some very steep areas near cliff bands. These slabs will become more sensitive throughout the day and the chance for small wet slides will develop as warm temperatures and possibly some rain weaken the snow surface.