Both natural and skier triggered avalanches were reported on Saturday in the Teton and Southwest Trails forecast zones. This activity occurred above 8,500 feet on east to northeast facing slopes, and slab depths ranged from one to three feet. Similar slides are likely to be triggered today in steep, avalanche prone terrain. The most problematic areas will be on slopes where faceted snow resides under the recent snowfall. Entering avalanche terrain where these faceted weak layers may be present is rolling the dice. Don’t let sunshine and abundant snowfall impair your judgement. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and the snowpack should be evaluated with a keen eye.
Since Thursday morning, over an inch and a half of snow water equivalent has been added to the snowpack. Strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds accompanied this snowfall, and 12 to 30 inch deep wind slabs formed. These slabs rest upon sun crusts, faceted snow and a combination of the two. Backcountry travelers venturing onto steep, wind loaded slopes are likely to trigger these slabs.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will continue to decrease overnight, and any lingering flurries should dissipate by the morning. Skies on Sunday should be mostly sunny. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the single digits before rising into the mid-teens during the day. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will back to the west and decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable above 8,000 feet. Up there, skiers and riders venturing into steep, avalanche prone terrain are likely to trigger recently developed wind slabs ranging in depth from one to three feet. The most problematic areas will be on slopes where faceted snow resides under the recent snowfall. Entering avalanche terrain where these faceted weak layers may be present is rolling the dice. Don’t let blue skies and abundant snowfall cloud your judgement. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and the snowpack should be evaluated with a keen eye. Below 8,000 feet, the hazard quickly transitions to Low.
