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. Collapses and cracking are indications of instability and should be an alarm to avoid steep slopes. 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. )Expect mostly dry conditions overnight and into Saturday before the chance for new snow increases late in the day. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid-teens before rising into the mid-20s in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be CONSIDERABLE on Saturday. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep avalanche terrain could trigger slab avalanches 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.
