Humans venturing into steep terrain at the upper elevations could trigger pockets of wind slab. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid elevations. Insufficient snow depths exist for avalanche activity at the lower elevations.
At the upper elevations pockets of wind slab 6 to 18 in depth could be human triggered in steep avalanche starting zones. These slabs were formed by southwest to west-northwest winds.
Expect mostly sunny skies on Thursday as high pressure continues to build into the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before rising to near freezing during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will back to the southwest at 5 to 15 miles per hour.In the Tetons, the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain MODERATE above 9,000 feet. In areas where snowfall persisted from the beginning of the month, recently developed pocket of wind slab lie upon firm crusts. Skiers and riders could trigger these slabs to depths of 6 to 18 inches in steep, wind-loaded terrain. In most areas below 9,000 feet, the recent snowfall accumulated on bare ground or a very shallow snowpack, and avalanches are unlikely.In the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW. There, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab in very-steep, shaded terrain at the higher elevations. Elsewhere, the snowpack is mostly stable.
