Tetons

At the mid and upper elevations soft surface slabs up to several feet deep are likely to be triggered by single skiers on steep wind loaded aspects. Some potential persists for very large deeper slabs to release in the starting zones of major avalanche paths especially by larger triggers such as snowmachines or groups of skiers. Sunshine and rising temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to triggers as the day progresses and could result in the spontanous release of sizable soft slabs, loose snow sluffs and snowballs and pinwheels on steep sunlit aspects. At the lower elevations isolated pockets of soft surface slab up to one foot in depth could be human triggered on very steep snow covered slopes. Clear skies and good visibility generally encourage backcountry users to take greater risks. Good decision making skills are essential today.

Temperature inversions are expected tonight through Friday morning with valley fog expected to form closer to the valley floor than last night. Temperatures at 10,000 feet are forecast to start out eight degrees warmer than Thursday morning and rise into the 30's. Mostly dry weather is expected through Saturday morning. AVALANCHE HAZARD FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS/CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AND GREYS RIVER/SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREASThe general avalanche danger is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE. LARGE DANGEROUS slabs up to eight feet in depth could be triggered by the weight of a single skier in the steep wind loaded starting zones of major avalanche paths. The sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers will increase as temperatures warm during the day. Shallower soft surface slabs could also triggered on steep slopes. Loose snow sluffs and sunballing is also likely on steep sunlit aspects. Good visiblity and clear skies generally encourage backcountry users to take greater risks. Good decision making skills are essential. Backcountry users are advised to consult area specific forecasts issued every morning as new information may become available and unexpected weather can change conditions.