Above 8000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger isolated pockets of shallow wind slabs in very steep terrain. Although unlikely, a slight chance also remains for deep weaknesses in the snowpack to fail, resulting in very large avalanches. Below 8000 feet the hazard is LOW and avalanche activity is not expected except for small wet loose activity if snow surfaces are weakened by prolonged periods of sunshine and warming temperatures.
A slight potential may remain for backcountry riders to trigger a deep slab avalanche on steep avalanche prone slopes. These avalanches could have depths to 5 feet and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmobile hitting a shallow or weak spot on a slope or by a large cornice failure. Consequences would be severe if a person was caught in one of these large, destructive avalanches.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Tonight and Friday look to be mostly cloudy with a chance for snow showers bringing minimal accumulations to the higher elevations and the potential for light rain to the lower elevations. Temperatures look to drop to well below freezing at all elevations overnight and then rise into the mid-twenties at high elevations and upper thirties in the valleys. Summit winds will be southwesterly to westerly with ten to fifteen miles per hour averages.The general avalanche hazard will likely be Low in the Teton forecast area but could increase to Moderate in the afternoon if temperatures warm enough to provide a concern for wet slides. In the Togwotee Pass and Southwest trails areas, the hazard will be Moderate above 8000 where the deep slab problem lingers and large avalanches, although unlikely, could still be triggered.
