The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above an elevation of 8000 feet. Multiple close calls have occurred in the Teton Pass and in the southern Teton Range during the past two days. These incidents all involved skier or snowboarders and occurred in steep avalanche starting zones. Similar events are possible in the Togwotee Pass area. Conservative terrain choices are warranted in areas with recent deposit of new snow.
Pockets of wind slab up to 12 inches in depth lie upon hard crusts. In steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain, backcountry travelers could trigger these slabs on a variety of aspects.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )A weak shortwave imbedded in northwesterly flow could bring a couple of inches of new snow to the region during the night and into tomorrow. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near zero before rising into the low teens in the afternoon. Northwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 5 to 15 miles per hour.Above 7,500 feet, the General Avalanche Hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Sunday. In steep, wind loaded avalanche terrain, backcountry travelers could trigger pockets of wind slab 6 to 18 inches in depth failing either on density breaks within the storm snow or possibly down to the mid March hard snow surfaces. On sunlit aspects, any extended periods of clear skies in the afternoon could increase the likelihood of triggering these slides and bring about the possible of loose snow sluffing.
