The general avalanche hazard remains MODERATE above an elevation of 9,000 feet and LOW below that elevation. At the higher elevations, the chance may exist to trigger deep instabilities in the snowpack in a few steep avalanche paths. Slab avalanches are not expected below an elevation of 9,000 feet. As the day warms, expect sun balling and very small wet slides involving only recent snow in steep terrain.
Weak faceted snow layers are preserved in the snowpack. At the upper elevations, hard slab avalanches with depths to three feet could be triggered by snowmobilers in steep, avalanche-prone slopes. These slabs will become more sensitive as they are weakened today by increasing temperatures and direct sunlight.
( 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.
