At the higher elevations persistent slab avalanches are possible in isolated areas. These dangerous avalanches likely require a larger trigger like a snowmachine. Cloudy skies and cooler temperatures at the higher elevations are expected decrease the wet snow avalanche hazard above an elevation of 8,000 feet. Below that elevation the wet snow avalanche hazard will increase as the day warms. Monitor conditions and avoid steep terrain features in areas where the snow has become wet. Glide avalanches and roof slides are possible.
Deep persistent slab avalanches could be triggered with depths to six feet in isolated areas at the higher elevations. Previous tracks do not validate stability.
At the lower elevations wet slides may occur on very steep slopes in areas where crusts soften and poor snow structure exist beneath those crusts. Heavy rain showers and/or a sustained period of rain may significantly increase the wet snow avalanche hazard.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snow showers will develop overnight in the southern portion of our forecast area and spread into far western Wyoming. The freezing level is forecast be around 6,500 feet overnight and rise to 7,000 to 7,500 feet on Friday. Snow will favor the southern end of the Salt River and Wyoming Ranges where 3 to 5 inches are likely to accumulate at the higher elevations by Friday evening. A mix of rain and snow is forecast for the lower elevations. Temperatures of Friday will rise into the 30s and 40s in the mountains. Easterly winds will be light at 5 to 15 miles per hour.Warm temperatures and areas of rain on a snowpack with poor snow structure will be a concern at the lower elevations on Friday. This scenario may initiate wet snow avalanche activity on very steep slopes. The general avalanche hazard below an elevation of 7,500 feet is expected to be moderate and could increase to considerable if heavy and/or sustained rain occurs. At the higher elevations deep persistent slab avalanches that could fail on buried weak layers continue to be a potential hazard in isolated areas of the Togwotee Pass and Greys River/Southwest Trails forecast regions. For this reason the general avalanche hazard at those elevations is expected to be moderate. In the Teton zone the hazard at the higher elevations is likely to be low.
