The general avalanche hazard is LOW this morning as the snowpack is topped with hard crusts that were formed by below freezing overnight temperatures and clear skies. By this afternoon these surface crusts will break down, allowing the chance of wet slide activity and Moderate hazard. As sunlight and warming temperatures deeply penetrate the snowpack this afternoon, the liklihood of wet loose and wet slab activity will increase and the hazard will further raise to Considerable as natural events become possible.
Wet loose avalanches are possible on a variety of aspects in steep terrain at all elevations. These wet slides could be human triggered or release spontaneously and have potential to entrain snow to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothermal.
Wet slab avalanches are possible in steep terrain and could be human triggered or released naturally in response to warming temperatures.
On Saturday, high pressure will continue but minimal moisture from a weak system may provide for periods of rain or snow showers in the afternoon or evening for the Tetons and northern areas. The southern areas could receive a flurry or a sprinkle. Temperatures are to again reach near forty degrees on the summits where southwest to west winds are to be 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard will be Low in the morning as the snowpack will be stabilized by hard surface crusts. Once the crust has been softened by increasing temperatures and the direct late march sunlight, the avalanche hazard will increase to Moderate. During the afternoon, backcountry skiers and riders will have the potential to trigger wet slides.
