Winds that have varied greatly in direction have transported and shaped recently fallen snow into surface slabs. These slabs lie upon weak snow layers and hard crusts and are expected to be sensitive to backcountry skiers and riders, especially at the high elevations where pockets of slab could be triggered in wind loaded areas. At mid elevations, isolated pockets of slab could be found and at low elevations, avalanches are unlikely as little new snow was received. Caution is advised as clear skies and powder has a tendency to lure people into active avalanche paths. Evaluate routes carefully and identify terrain features where wind loading has occurred.
At the mid and upper elevations, strong winds that have veered from the south-southwest to the northeast have deposited new snow onto leeward terrain. These slabs will be more prevalent at the higher elevations where slab depths to eighteen inches could be found. Between 8000 and 9000 feet, isolated pockets of shallow slabs can be found.
The next system is to bring increasing clouds overnight and snow by 5am to the Tetons and Togwotee areas and slightly later in the southern forecast area. By 5pm, six to eight inches of snow is expected with more to fall through Friday night. Temperatures are to remain on the cooler side with morning mountain temperatures in the single digits and highs in the mid-teens. Winds throughout the day are to be from the west with twenty to twenty five mile per hour averages. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate above 9000 feet all day as new snow and wind add additional load to existing slabs that could be triggered by backcountry riders and skiers. From 7500 to 9000 feet, the danger could increase from Low to Moderate, particularly in the afternoon as the new snow increases slab size and sensitivity. Below 7500 feet the danger will remain low until significant snowfall is received.
