The general avalanche hazard remains CONSIDERABLE above 7,500 feet and LOW below 7,500 feet where snow depths are shallow. The snowpack structure is poor. Large, human-triggered slab avalanches are probable on steep, avalanche-prone slopes. The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase as additional weight is added to the snowpack. Shallow pockets of soft slab will also begin to form as the day progresses. Backcountry travelers could trigger these shallow slabs, along with loose snow sluffs, later in the day.
On steep slopes above 7,500 feet that have not experienced recent avalanche activity, backcountry travelers could trigger large slab avalanches that fail on persistent weak layers. These slabs, with depths of two to four feet, could release to the ground.The likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase during the day with the additional load of the new snow.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Zonal flow will develop sometime before Friday morning. This change in the weather pattern will bring moderate to heavy snow showers, strong winds and warming temperatures. Six to twelve inches of new snow could accumulate by Friday evening. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase to 25 to 35 miles per hour. Overnight lows will hover near zero before rising into the mid teens during the day.On Friday, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE in the Tetons and Greys River area, and CONSIDERABLE in the Togwotee Pass area. New snow, combined with strong westerly ridgetop winds, will create new wind slabs on leeward slopes. These new slabs could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, wind-loaded starting zones. As snowfall accumulates throughout the day, the likelihood of triggering these slabs will increase as they grow in depth and volume. This scenario will also add weight to existing weak layers beneath the new/old snow interface. Monitor conditions closely, and be willing to alter your plans if circumstances warrant.
