Backcountry riders and skiers have some potential to trigger existing wind slabs in very steep avalanche terrain above 9000 feet. Other than this high elevation hazard the new snow is falling on a mostly stable snowpack. As new snow accumulates this afternoon, very soft and shallow surface slabs or new snow sluffs could also be triggered in steep terrain at all elevations.
Winds that veered from the southwest to northeast transported past snowfall into slabs. These slabs lie on a variety of aspects with depths of one to two feet at the high elevations and could be released by the weight of a single person in limited areas. These slabs are most likely to be found in very steep rocky areas and will generally have the appearance of a wind loaded feature.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Flow is to become more westerly and moist. As that change occurs, the first in a series of weak systems will bring the chance for light snow to the area tonight through Saturday morning. Up to three or four inches could fall at higher elevations with lesser amounts expected at the lower elevations. High temperatures are to be in the teens and west winds are to have averages between ten and twenty miles per hour. Snowfall through Saturday is to be minimal and is not expected to significantly affect avalanche conditions. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate above 9000 feet where wind slabs with depths to two feet could be triggered on a variety of aspects on very steep wind loaded features. Additional hazard exists in the Togwotee Pass area near the base of the snowpack where a slight chance continues to trigger persistent hard slabs in high north facing terrain. Avalanches below 9000 feet are unlikely as the snowpack below that elevation is mostly stable.
