A buried layer of faceted snow continues to present a lingering concern in steep, active avalanche paths above 9,000 feet. In similar areas, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an old wind slab up to 18 inches in depth. In the higher elevations, strong westerly ridgetop winds will combine with dense snowfall this afternoon to produce isolated pockets of new wind slab three to six inches deep in leeward terrain. If rapid loading occurs, be willing to alter your travel plans.
In isolated areas, a layer of weak, faceted snow persists near the base of the snowpack, and skiers and riders might be able to trigger a hard slab up to 40 inches deep in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. This weak layer would most likely be found in the eastern portion of the forecast zone, which is in the rain shadow of the Salt River Range and has less snow.
( 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.
