The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet. The snow that fell during the last storm cycle continues to consolidate and slowly bond to the October snow surfaces. The interface between that new snow and the areas where the buried October snow surface was faceted is still a concern in steep wind loaded avalanche terrain. Some potential remains for humans to trigger large slab avalanches in active avalanche paths and cliff areas. Avalanches are unlikely below an elevation of 8,500 feet.
Large slab avalanches formed by west to southwest winds could be human triggered on old snow surfaces on west through north to east aspects at the upper elevations and northerly aspects down to an elevation of 8,500 feet. These slabs could be up to four feet deep at the upper elevations and up to 30 inches deep at the mid elevations.
A Pacific low pressure trough will bring snow to the mountains of western Wyoming tonight through Friday. Accumulations of 4 to 6 inches at the higher elevations and 1 to 3 inches at the lower elevations are likely. Temperatures will be in the teens and 20s tonight and rise into the 20s and 30s on Friday. West to southwest winds will increase to 25 with gusts to 40 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is forecast to be MODERATE above an elevation of 8,500 feet and be LOW below that elevation. Some potential remains for human to trigger large slab avalanches in steep terrain on buried old snow surfaces that are faceted. Small pockets of new wind slab may begin to form on leeward aspects along the highest ridge lines.
