On northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger persistent slabs failing on faceted snow near the base of the snowpack with depths up to 40 inches. At the mid and upper elevations, backcountry travelers could also trigger recently developed wind slabs one to two feet deep in very steep, wind loaded terrain. These surface slabs could step down to the basal weak layer as well. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW below an elevation of 7,500 feet. The Grand Targhee Ski Resort will be closed to uphill traffic in preparation for a Friday opening.
Weak, faceted snow persists at the base of the snow pack on northerly and shaded aspects above an elevation of 9,000 feet. These dense slabs, up to 40 inches deep, could be triggered by skiers and riders on this persistent weak layer. Previous tracks on these slopes may not be an indication of stability.
Strong west-southwesterly to northwesterly winds over the weekend created dense wind slabs up to two feet in depth on leeward aspects. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slides in steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain. These slabs are mostly likely to be found in exposed terrain near ridgelines. Avoid slopes where the snowpack has a hollow, drum-like feel.
A forming ridge of high pressure will result in temperatures that could be below zero at all elevations in the morning with highs building into the mid twenties in the afternoon as inversion conditions start to develop. The avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9000 feet in all forecast areas. The potential exists to trigger surface wind slabs on a variety of aspects with depths that could reach two feet. In north facing terrain the chance continues to trigger larger full depth avalanches on a persistent layer of weak snow that lies at the base of the snowpack. Below 9000 feet the avalanche hazard is expected to be Low.
