The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet. At these high elevations, hard slab avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep, north facing terrain. Mostly stable snow exists below 9,000 feet where the general avalanche hazard is LOW and avalanche activity is unlikely.
Skiers and riders venturing onto steep, north facing slopes above 9,000 feet could trigger hard slab avalanches with crown depths to two or possibly three feet. Suspect locations are steep, rocky slopes where faceted snow persists at the base of the snowpack.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Conditions are to change as a wave of low pressure arrives during the night and brings snow through Saturday. Snowfall amounts by Saturday afternoon of two to five inches are predicted with one to two inches in the valleys. Temperatures are to be cooler with highs in the mid twenties in the mountains and in the low thirties at the low elevations. South southwest winds will have averages between twenty and thirty miles per hour overnight before backing slightly during the day. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low at all elavations in the Tetons and Southwest trails areas and Moderate above 9000 feet in the Togwotee Pass area. Mostly stable snow currently exists with an exception in high elevation extreme or north facing terrain where pockets of wind slab could be triggered only in isolated areas. New snow hazard that is likely to build on hard snow surfaces during the day could also be sensitive as small and shallow surface slabs during the afternoon.
