Recently formed slabs lie upon hard snow surfaces. These slabs could be triggered by backcountry skiers and riders today. The hazard will increase this afternoon as these slabs are weakened by direct sunlight and rapidly warming temperatures and become more sensitive. Small wet loose activity is expected on very steep south facing terrrain. In isolated areas a slight chance also persists for failure near the base of the snowpack.
Southwest to northwest winds have formed soft surface slabs. These slabs lie upon crusts and firm old snow surfaces and are likely to be easily triggered by humans, particularly this afternoon. These slides could have crown depths to three feet and will be most sensitive in very steep terrain at higher elevations.
In isolated areas, skiers and riders might be able to trigger dangerous hard slabs with depths to over four feet. This hazard is limited in distribution and is most likely to be found along the east slope of the Wyoming Range.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A mostly sunny day is expected on Friday. Temperatures at higher elevations are to reach the mid to upper twenties. Winds are to be light. The general avalanche hazard will increase from Moderate to Considerable in the Southwest Trails and Teton areas. In both of these areas sunlight and warming will make recently formed slabs more sensitive to failure. These soft slabs could have depths to three feet. In the eastern portion of the southwest trails area a slight chance remains to trigger deep slabs in a few avalanche paths.In the Togwotee Pass area, the hazard will be Moderate. Soft slabs to a foot in depth could be triggered and there is also a slight chance to trigger deep slabs in high, steep, avalanche paths.
