The potential continues for backcountry riders and skiers to trigger wind slabs in very steep avalanche terrain above 9000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely below that elevation except for small isolated pockets in the steepest terrain.
Past snowfall was transported by winds that veered from the southwest to northeast and formed into slabs. These slabs lie on a variety of aspects at the high elevations and could be released by the weight of a single person with one to two foot depths. These slabs can be found in very steep rocky areas and will generally have the appearance of a wind loaded feature.
Flow is to become more westerly and moist. As that change occurs, the first in a series of weak systems will bring the chance for light snow to the area tonight through Saturday morning. Up to three or four inches could fall at higher elevations with lesser amounts expected at the lower elevations. High temperatures are to be in the teens and west winds are to have averages between ten and twenty miles per hour. Snowfall through Saturday is to be minimal and is not expected to significantly affect avalanche conditions. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9000 feet where wind slabs with depths to two feet could be triggered on a variety of aspects on very steep wind loaded features. Additional hazard exists in the Togwotee Pass area near the base of the snowpack where a slight chance continues to trigger persistent hard slabs in high north facing terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely as the snowpack below that elevation is mostly stable.
