At the high elevations the possibility exists to trigger isolated pockets of small wind slab or loose snow sluffs in very steep terrain. These lingering instabilities are most likely to be found in steep couloirs or cliff areas where even small slides can have severe or even fatal consequences. Watch for unstable snow in these isolated terrain features. Avalanches are unlikely at the mid and lower elevations. As the day warms, expect sun balling and very small wet slides involving recent snow in steep terrain.
Small pockets of wind slab up a foot in depth could be human triggered in steep terrain above 9,000 feet. These slabs will be more sensitive this afternoon as they are weakened by sunlight and warm temperatures.
Skies will be mostly cloudy overnight ahead of a weak, Pacific weather system and associated cold front slated to move over the region on Saturday. During the day, light snow showers will be possible in the mountains, and a few light rain showers could occur in the valleys. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the upper 20s before rising to near freezing during the day. Southerly ridgetop winds will veer to the west at 15 to 25 miles per hour.The snowpack is mostly stable in the Tetons, and the general avalanche hazard is expected to remain LOW throughout the day on Saturday. Low hazard does not mean no hazard. Above 9,000 feet, skiers and riders might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of wind slab in very steep couloirs and cliff areas. In these areas, small slides can still result in serious consequences.In the Southwest Trails and Togwotee Pass forecast zones, the hazard is expected to remain MODERATE. In addition to the chance of triggering isolated pockets of recently developed surface slab, deep instabilities persist. Although failure is not expected in most areas, there remains a slight chance to trigger deep hard slabs in high, steep, avalanche-prone slopes that have not seen significant traffic this season.
