The general avalanche hazard is LOW. Low does not mean no hazard exists. Skiers and riders could trigger shallow wind slabs formed by new and recently fallen snow in steep terrain above 9000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely at lower elevations today. This will be the last weekend for avalanche advisories. Weather and snow data can still be viewed by clicking links to specific weather stations and weekly summaries will still be provided.
Varying winds have formed shallow hard surface slabs in steep terrain at high elevations. These slabs are likely to be small but could carry severe consequences as they can quickly carry a person over harsh terrain features.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall is to become more widespread this evening and could be heavy at times tonight. Snow is expected at all elevations overnight before becoming a rain and snow mix and dissipating at lower elevations by Saturday afternoon. Accumulations of three to seven inches are expected in the Tetons and Gros Ventres with less accumulation in nearby ranges. Valleys could see an inch or two of snow. Mountain temperatures are to rise to near thirties degrees and winds are to have ten to twenty mile per hour averages from the west. The general avalanche hazard could increase to Moderate if enough new snow falls and combines with wind to form new surface slabs over existing firm snow surfaces. This hazard would most likely be limited to steep wind loaded slopes above 9000 feet. The chance will also continue to trigger isolated pockets of dense wind slab in very steep terrain at these higher elevations.
