The general avalanche hazard is Moderate above 9,000 feet and low below that elevation. At the higher elevations, a remote chance continues to trigger deep hard slabs in some steep avalanche paths. Warming temperatures will increase the sensitivity of these slabs to human triggers as well as provide for the possibility of small wet slide activity.
Depth hoar persists near the base of the snowpack. In isolated areas, dangerous hard slabs with depths to 40 inches could be human triggered on this weak persistent layer. This basal weakness is limited in distribution and is most likely to be found in the higher elevations along the east slope of the Wyoming Range.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will increase during the day on Saturday, and a slight chance for precipitation will occur in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid teens before increasing to near 40 during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW in the Tetons on Friday morning. Backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of shallow wind slab in very steep, avalanche-prone terrain above 9,000 feet. While small, these slides have the potential to sweep skiers and riders over cliff bands or take them for long rides down very steep, sustained couloirs. If extended periods of sunshine occur, daytime warming could increase the likelihood of triggering these slides on sunlit aspects and also bring about the possibility of wet loose slides in sun-affected terrain. In isolated areas of the Togwotee Pass and Greys River forecast zones, some potential may remain for snowmobilers to trigger deep hard slab avalanches failing on buried persistent layers of faceted snow. In those areas, the hazard will remain MODERATE.
