The avalanche danger today above 8500' remains Moderate. A slight chance continues for a single person to trigger a slab avalanche in steep terrain. Failure could occur after a slope is tracked when a particularly thin and weak spot in the snowpack is impacted. This is most likely to occur near wind loaded ridges or in and around cliff areas. Avalanches at lower elevations are unlikely today.
Although unlikely, the possibility for human triggered avalanches involving weak snow near the base of the snowpack continues in higher elevation terrain. If triggered they would release as soft to hard slabs with depths of one to five feet and would likely result in serious injury or death to anyone involved.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A very weak system will cause a reduction in the inversion conditions by morning and could provide a trace or so of snow to the upper elevations. Expect mostly cloudy skies tomorrow with highs in the upper teens in the mountains while valleys reach the mid-twenties. West to northwest winds are to remain relatively light with 10 – 20 mph averages. The general avalanche danger will be low tomorrow in the Teton area where the chance for a deep slab avalanche is no longer thought to be a notable concern. The weak layer does still exist and could pose a real threat to people to if either a major storm impacts the area or if very large triggers such as large cornices impact a slope. Low danger does not mean no danger exists and safe travel techniques are always recommended in avalanche terrain. The danger will remain Moderate above 9000 feet in both the Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass areas. The largest and most widespread avalanche activity occurred in the Southwest Trails area and although hard slabs have become unlikely to trigger, the possibility for a person hitting a trigger point is still real enough there to warrant respect and the continuation of a Moderate rating for a few more days. In the Togwotee Pass area the snowpack is weaker and although slabs are smaller they are more likely to initiate from the weight of a single rider or skier.
