Conditions remain dangerous above 7500 feet. A persistent weak layer of faceted snow near the base of the snowpack presents a serious problem to backcountry travelers, and slab avalanches failing on this weak layer will likely carry serious consequences. Conservative decision making and careful snowpack evaluation will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today. Below 7,500 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely.
Persistent slabs lie upon a base of weak, faceted snow on a variety of aspects above 7,500 feet. Skiers and riders traveling into steep, avalanche terrain could trigger these slabs with depths up to two feet. Persistent slabs pose a significant threat to backcountry users as they can remain unstable for days or weeks. Previous tracks are also not an indication of stability.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The chance for light snow showers will increase overnight as the stream of Pacific moisture shifts to the east and temporarily resides over Western Wyoming. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the upper teens during the day. Southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to remain CONSIDERABLE on Sunday. The persistent weak layer of faceted snow near the base of the snowpack continues to present a serious threat to backcountry travelers. Skiers and riders venturing into steep avalanche terrain could trigger slab avalanches failing on this weak layer on a variety of aspects. These slides could be up to three feet deep in the Tetons and reach depths of two feet in the Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas.
