The snowpack is generally stable and avalanche activity is unlikely, with the exception of steep wind loaded slopes at the upper elevations. Overnight, ridgetop winds were sustained in the upper teens and twenties with gusts in the thirties, and light density snow has been transported onto leeward slopes forming shallow wind slabs. It will be possible to trigger these small avalanches today above 9,000 feet, and backcountry travelers should be aware of exposure and terrain traps where small slides could have higher consequences.
Along high ridges, wind slabs less than a foot in depth could be triggered and will be more sensitive while slopes are being actively loaded. To avoid this problem, stay off of steep terrain that has received recent wind loading.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A ridge of high pressure over the western US will bring dry weather through the weekend. Overnight, a temperature inversion will form with valleys reaching -13 and the mountains ranging from -10 to -5 degrees F. Tomorrow skies will be mostly sunny, and the inversion should break with valleys warming into the twenties and mountains into the teens. Winds are expected to be light from the westerly to northwesterly. Across all three forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will be Low and avalanche activity is expected to be limited to small slides on very steep terrain. Shallow wind slabs of less than a foot in depth could be found above 9,000 feet on wind loaded slopes. As the day warms, sheltered sunny aspects could be affected by solar radiation and result in small loose snow slides. These avalanche problems will be small, so backcountry travelers should be mindful of terrain traps and carry rescue gear. At the mid and lower elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely. In the Tetons above the forecasted area of 10,500 feet, the avalanche hazard may be heightened due to the potential of a bit larger and more reactive wind slabs.
