Above 8000 feet, skiers and riders could trigger isolated pockets of shallow wind slabs in very steep terrain. Although unlikely, a slight chance also remains for deep weaknesses in the snowpack to fail, resulting in very large avalanches. Below 8000 the snowpack has undergone several melt-freeze cycles and the hazard is LOW.
A slight potential may remain for backcountry riders to trigger a deep slab avalanche on steep avalanche prone slopes. These avalanches could have depths to 5 feet and are most likely to be triggered by a snowmobile hitting a shallow or weak spot on a slope or by a large cornice failure. Involvement in one of these large destructive avalanches would likely carry dire consequences.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Saturday brings increased chances for precipitation to the area. This will continue to occur in the form of shower activity that is expected to fall as snow in most locations but could involve some rain below 8000 feet during the afternoons. Accumulations in the mountains of two to four inches are possible where high temperatures are to reach the mid-twenties. Winds are to be light overnight and could increase to twenty miles per hour averages in the afternoon. The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain Low in the Teton where light accumulations are not expected to create sizeable new slabs and moderate temperatures and little sunshine are likely to prevent widespread wet slide activity. The hazard will remain Moderate in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest trails areas where a shallower snowpack provides an unlikely but possible chance to trigger large deep slab avalanches.
