A chance remains for backcountry travelers to trigger very large, deep hard slab avalanches in steep, north facing terrain above 9,000 feet. On a variety of aspects and elevations, a slight chance persists to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab from the previous storm cycle on very steep, avalanche prone slopes that were not affected by warm, inverted temperatures. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully, and identify features of concern.
Weak snow persists near the base of the snowpack on northwesterly through northeasterly aspects above 9,000 feet. Skiers and riders have the potential to trigger full depth avalanches on this layer in steep, avalanche prone terrain. Large triggers, such as snowmobiles or groups of people, are more likely to be able to impact this weak layer.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light snowfall will continue overnight before a brief lull takes place. By late afternoon, a more significant Pacific weather system will begin to impact the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the upper teens during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard could increase to Moderate in the Tetons depending on the amount of new snow and the strength of the winds. New soft slabs, along with loose snow sluffs, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, avalanche prone terrain above 9,000 feet. These slabs are building just above well-developed sliding surfaces and weak, faceted snow.In the Greys River and Togwotee Pass forecast zones, the lingering chance of triggering deep persistent slab avalanches failing on weak snow near the base of the snowpack will keep the hazard at Moderate. New soft slabs and loose snow sluffs, similar to those in the Tetons, could also be triggered by skiers and riders. This avalanche activity will be more likely to occur down south where snowfall amounts are expected to be greater.
