The general avalanche hazard remains MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the higher elevations some potential may remain for humans to trigger deep hard slab avalanches in isolated avalanche paths. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 9,000 feet. As the day warms, expect sun balling and very small wet slides involving only the recent snow in steep terrain at all elevations.
Weak snow persists near the ground. In isolated areas, dangerous hard slabs with depths to 40 inches could be human triggered on this layer. This basal weakness is limited in distribution and is most likely to be found along the east slope of the Wyoming Range. Rapid warming and direct sunlight could increase the sensitivity of these slabs this afternoon.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Friday looks to be mostly sunny and warm. Temperatures are to rise into the upper thirties to low forties at the higher elevations. Winds are to be south-southwesterly at ten to twenty miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard will be Low in the Tetons. Avalanche activity is limited to isolated pockets in steep terrain above 9,000 feet. These pockets are most likely to be found in steep couloirs and cliff areas where even small slides can have serious and even fatal consequences. Sunshine and warming will increase the sensitivity of these slabs and the chance for small wet slides will also become possible in the afternoon. In the Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass areas the hazard is Moderate. In addition to the chance to trigger isolated pockets of recent snow, deep instabilities persist. Although failure is not expected in most terrain, there remains a slight chance for failure of the deep hard slabs in high and steep avalanche slopes that still have not seen significant traffic this season.
