At the upper elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger slab avalanches in steep terrain. On southerly aspects, solar radiation throughout the day may cause these wind slabs to become more sensitive to triggers. Below 9,000 feet, the general avalanche hazard is low and avalanche activity is not expected, except for small wet surface slides during prolonged periods of sunshine. Monitor the sun’s effects, and avoid slopes as they become wet. Please travel respectfully in the backcountry. Recreational avalanche accidents are an unacceptable burden on the community’s public healthcare system. It is an important time to exercise conservative decisions and avoid accidents.
At the upper elevations, drifted snow lies over a variety of surfaces including crusts. These wind slabs could be up to 2 feet in depth and could release under the weight of a single person. Avoid areas of drifted snow, especially as the sun warms the slope.
Overcast to mostly cloudy skies overnight should clear by the morning as a brief ridge of high pressure builds over the region. On Saturday, skies are expected to be mostly sunny until the late afternoon when cloud cover will increase. Mountain temperatures will range from the teens to low thirties and valleys will climb into the upper 30's. Southwesterly winds should be 15 to 25 miles per hour. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate tomorrow at the higher elevations (above 9,000 feet) and low below that elevation. Humans who venture into steep avalanche prone terrain features at the upper elevations could trigger slab avalanches up to 2 feet deep. These slabs may increase in sensitivity during the warmest periods of the day. Due to clear skies and above freezing temperatures, wet loose avalanches could be possible on solar aspects in the afternoon. As snow surfaces transition from damp to wet, backcountry travelers are recommended to seeks shaded terrain. Please be conservative with your actions and stay up to date with the Teton County Wyoming Health Department emergency alerts, http://www.tetonwyo.org/163/Health-Dept.
