The general avalanche hazard is LOW this morning as the snowpack is topped with hard crusts that were formed by temperatures near or below the freezing point and clear skies overnight. As sunlight and warming temperatures break down these crusts the possibility for wet loose and wet slab activity will develop and the avalanche hazard will rise to Moderate. During these warm spring cycles it is always recommended that backcountry enthusiasts recreate in the morning and be headed back out of the mountains before the snowpack is overly weakened.
Wet loose avalanches are possible on a variety of aspects in steep terrain at all elevations. These wet slides could be human triggered and have potential to entrain snow to the ground in areas where the snowpack is isothermal.
Wet slab avalanches are possible in steep terrain where buried layers of faceted snow persist within the snow pack. Although unlikely, these dangerous slab avalanches could be human triggered with depths of two to five feet and could step down to the ground.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )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.
