Buried layers of faceted snow continue to present a lingering concern in steep, active avalanche paths above 9,000 feet. In the higher elevations, strong westerly ridgetop winds will combine with dense snowfall this afternoon to produce isolated pockets of wind slab three to six inches deep in leeward terrain. If rapid loading occurs, be willing to alter your travel plans.
In isolated areas at the higher elevations, layers of faceted snow in the lower portion of the snowpack might still be a concern on steep, avalanche-prone slopes that face north through east to south. There, some potential remains for snowmobilers to trigger deep hard slab avalanches up to three feet in depth.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will increase overnight ahead of a Pacific trough slated to quickly move through the region on Saturday. Precipitation will begin in the morning and continue throughout the day. A mix of rain and snow will be possible below 8,000 feet before turning to all snow by the evening. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near freezing during the day. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will increase to 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts to 45.In the Tetons, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low Saturday morning and will increase in the higher elevations during the day as shallow wind slabs build upon sun crusts and surface hoar. The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Moderate in the Togwotee Pass and Greys River areas. There, similar shallow wind slabs will build, and the possibility of triggering deep persistent slabs will linger in isolated areas.
