The general avalanche hazard is LOW above an elevation of 9,500 feet where the snowpack is up to 12 inches deep. At the highest elevations isolated pockets of dense wind slab may exist in steep avalanche starting zones. Watch out for areas of unstable snow in isolated terrain features. Ground surfaces are mostly bare below an elevation of 8,500 feet.
At the highest elevations west to southwest winds have formed isolated pockets of dense wind slab up to a foot in depth in very steep northerly facing avalanche starting zones. These pockets have some potential to be human triggered in areas where freshly drifted snow lies upon hard old snow surfaces.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A cold front on the southern margin of this large storm system is forecast to approach the region overnight. This front may bring three to six inches of snow to the upper elevations and more rain showers to the valleys by tomorrow morning. Temperatures in the mountains will be in the 20s and 30s. Winds will be west-southwest at 15 to 25 with gusts to 40 miles per hour. In the Teton Range the general avalanche hazard is forecast to be MODERATE at the upper elevations (above an elevation of 9,000 feet). Pockets of wind slab up to 18 inches in depth could be human triggered on very steep slopes where drifted snow has accumulated on old snow surfaces. Avalanches are not likely in areas where the recent new snow has accumulated on bare ground. Isolated areas of instability are possible on very steep, north facing terrain down to an elevation of 8,500 feet. Evaluate snow conditions and terrain features carefully. Steep slopes above cliff areas and terrain traps warrant serious concern. The general avalanche hazard in the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass and Greys River/Southwest Trails areas is expected to be LOW. Isolated pockets of wind slab up to a foot in depth could be human triggered above an elevation of 9,500 feet in very steep, northerly facing avalanche starting zones. Watch out for areas of unstable snow in isolated terrain features.
