Recent snowfall and strong winds have created wind slabs at the mid and upper elevations. Although natural avalanches are not expected today, these slabs can be triggered by backcountry travelers. These slabs are larger and more sensitive at the higher elevations and will become more reactive as they are weakened be daytime warming this afternoon. Yesterday, several close calls occurred on slopes to the south of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. One slide on the Powder 8 Face on Cody Peak failed after the slope had been tracked. Similar events are possible today. Avalanches at lower elevations are not expected except for small wet loose activity this afternoon. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully today.
Above 8000 feet, slabs formed by west to southwest winds lie in steep wind loaded areas. These slabs could have depths to two feet at the higher elevations and are most likely to be found in very steep terrain that is prone to wind loading.
Expect cloud cover to increase overnight and light snow showers to break out later in the day on Saturday as a Pacific trough moves towards the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the mid teens before rising into the mid to upper 20s during the day. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will increase to 20 to 30 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be MODERATE on Saturday. Strong southwesterly to northwesterly ridgetop winds on Wednesday and Thursday stiffened recently developed wind slabs and added to their depth on leeward aspects. In the higher elevations, skiers and riders could trigger these wind slabs to depths of two feet in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. Winds became less pronounced with a drop in elevation, and the likelihood of triggering these slabs decreases accordingly. To avoid this threat, stay off of steep, avalanche-prone slopes with obvious signs of wind loading. At the lower elevations, avalanches will be unlikely.
