Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Above 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger small pockets of wind slab in steep, wind loaded terrain. Large persistent slab avalanches remain a concern. These slabs could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Don’t let powder fever lure you into compromising terrain; expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
Since Wednesday, around three quarters of an inch of snow water equivalent has been added to a snowpack with poor structure. This load has increased the likelihood of triggering dangerous slab avalanches with depths of one to three feet.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )After a brief lull overnight and into Saturday, light snowfall will return to the region during the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the low 20s in the afternoon. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable on Saturday. In the Tetons, skiers and riders could easily trigger recently formed wind slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, wind loaded terrain above 7,500 feet. Deeper wind slabs are likely in areas that received greater amounts of snowfall in the Southwest Trails area. Persistent slabs remain a concern, particularly in the Salt River Range. These slabs, with depths of two to four feet, could be triggered directly by backcountry travelers or indirectly after stepping down from the release of a wind slab. Natural activity may remain possible. Below 7,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger slab avalanches one to two feet in depth. Don’t let powder fever lure you into compromising terrain; expert snowpack evaluation and route selection skills will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain.
