Tetons

Unstable surface slabs one to three in depth persist at the mid and upper elevations. These slabs lie upon buried surface hoar and suncrusts and could be triggered by skiers and riders who venture onto steep wind loaded slopes. Instabilities associated with buried surface hoar are problematic. Steep unstable slopes have failed after being crossed multiple times. Many steep avalanche prone slopes have been skied or riden without instance while other similar slopes have failed on approach. CAUTION IS ADVISED. Avalanches are unlikely at the lower elevations.

Clear and cold conditions are expected tomarrow with lighter West winds allowing temperature inversions to build, bringing mountain temperatures into the upper teens to low twenties in the afternoon. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE throughout the region on Friday although differences exist between the forecast areas. In the Teton area, dense slabs one to three feet could be triggered in avalanche terrain on a variety of aspects by backcountry riders and skiers. The slabs lie upon a layer of surface hoar and faceted snow and could fail even after a slope is has previous tracks. In the CONTINENTAL DIVIDE/TOGWOTEE PASS and SOUTHWEST TRAILS/GREYS RIVER areas, the surface slab hazards discussed above exist. These areas also have a very well developed weak faceted layer at the base of the snowpack that involves aproximately half of the snowpack. This weak is snow is covered by a supportable layer that provides a false sense of security. Many full depth avalanches have been triggered in the recent weeks and the potential continues for them to be triggered on Friday as the snowpack has not gained strength. CAUTION IS ADVISED as both the surface and deep slab instabilities are difficult to predict. Many slopes have been ridden without incident while some fail after a slope has seen significant traffic and others fail upon approach.