At the upper elevations, backcountry travelers venturing into steep, avalanche-prone terrain could trigger pockets of wind slab. As the day warms, these slabs could become more susceptible to failure, and the chance for shallow wet loose slides will also develop. Monitor temperatures and the effect of the sun, and evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully. The snowpack is mostly stable at the mid elevations, and snow depths at the lower elevations are insufficient for avalanche activity.
In high elevation terrain where snowfall persisted from the beginning of the month, recently developed pockets of wind slab lie upon firm crusts. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of 6 to 18 inches in steep, wind-loaded terrain.
Expect a decrease in cloud cover overnight before mostly sunny skies prevail during the day on Friday as a flat ridge of high pressure resides over the region. Low level clouds in the valleys could develop overnight and persist into the morning hours. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid to upper 20s before rising to near 40 during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.In the Tetons, the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE above 9,000 feet. In areas where snowfall persisted from the first storm cycle in October, recently developed pockets of wind slab lie upon firm crusts. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of 6 to 18 inches in steep, wind-loaded terrain. As the day warms, these slabs could become more susceptible to failure, and the chance for shallow wet loose slides will also develop. In most areas below 9,000 feet, the recent snowfall accumulated on bare ground or a very shallow snowpack, and avalanches are unlikely.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW. There, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab in very-steep, shaded terrain at the higher elevations. Shallow wet loose slides will also become possible with daily warming. Below 9,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable.
