The snowpack has persistent weak layers formed dry periods earlier in the season. These slabs could be triggered by riders or skiers in steep avalanche starting zones above 7,500 feet. On sunlit aspects, any extended periods of sunshine could makes these slides more susceptible to failure as the day warms and also bring about the possibility for wet slides. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Buried layers of faceted snow persist in the snowpack. Skiers and riders could trigger slabs failing on these weak layers to depths of one to three feet. These slides could become more susceptible to failure on sunlit aspects if any extended periods of sunshine occur.
Cloud cover overnight kept temperatures fairly warm. If extended periods of sunshine occur during the day, wet slides will once again become possible. These slides are mostly likely to occur in very steep terrain below 9,000 feet where nightly lows were near freezing, and daytime temperatures will be the warmest.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Pacific moisture will bring some cloud cover overnight and during the day on Saturday. A few flurries may be possible in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising to near freezing during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.On Saturday in the Tetons and Greys River area, the general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low in the morning and could rise to Moderate in the afternoon. In very steep, wind-loaded terrain that has not gone through melt-freeze cycles, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab. If periods of sunshine occur during the day, the threat of wet slides could return as the day warms. Persistent weak layers will keep the hazard at Moderate in Togwotee Pass forecast zone. There, backcountry travelers could trigger slabs one to three feet deep.
