Above 9,000 feet, backcountry travelers could trigger small pockets of winds slab in steep, wind loaded terrain. These slabs could entrain loose snow and increase in volume. Although these wind slabs pose a threat, the primary concern is still the persistent deep slab avalanche above 7,500 feet. While the probability of triggering these large to very large deep slabs becomes less likely, the consequences are very high. There will be no obvious signs of instability until the avalanche is triggered. This will most likely occur in problem areas where the snowpack or slab is thin. Mostly stable snow exists below 7,500 feet.
Above 9,000 feet, westerly ridgetop winds have formed shallow, soft wind slabs on leeward slopes. These slabs have developed upon settled snow surfaces, sun crusts, and surface hoar. Backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs with depths between 6 and 12 inches in steep, wind loaded terrain.
Persistent weak layers of faceted snow that formed during extended dry periods in November and December continue to be a significant threat to backcountry travelers. Above 7,500 feet, these slabs could be triggered with depths ranging from two to four feet. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of a slab with depths between one and two feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Unsettled weather will bring mostly cloudy to overcast skies and light snowfall into tomorrow with an expected accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Temperatures will drop slightly into the teens before climbing back into the 20’s tomorrow, and valley temperatures may reach the low 30’s. Ridgetop winds will be west to southwest at 10 to 25 miles per hour with higher gusts favoring the Southwest Trails forecast zone. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 7,500 feet on Friday. Backcountry travelers could trigger small pockets of winds slab in steep, wind loaded terrain at the higher elevations. These slabs could entrain loose snow and increase in volume. Although these wind slabs pose a threat, the primary concern is still the persistent deep slab avalanche. While the probability of triggering these large to very large deep slabs becomes less likely, the consequences are very high. These slabs could be up to 7 feet deep in the Tetons and Southwest Trails forecast zones and up to 4 feet in depth on Togwotee. There will be no obvious signs of instability until the avalanche is triggered. This will most likely occur in problem areas where the snowpack or slab is thin. Mostly stable snow exists below 7,500 feet.
