Above 8,500 feet, backcountry travelers might be able to trigger recently developed wind slabs in cliff areas and very steep terrain that have experienced recent wind loading. As the day warms, extended periods of sunshine could make these slabs more susceptible to failure in sunlit areas that warm quickly and collect heat. Monitor how the weather is affecting the snow surfaces, and avoid areas with obvious signs of wind loading. Deep persistent slabs still pose a concern in high elevation starting zones.
Deep persistent slabs lie upon faceted snow in the lower portion of the snowpack. Skiers and riders might be able to trigger these dangerous slabs on north through east to south facing slopes above 9,000 feet. Deep persistent slabs are difficult to trigger, but carry high consequences in the event that they do release. These slides could reach depths of three feet.
Earlier in the week, very strong southwesterly to westerly ridgetop winds combined with new snow to create dense wind slabs in leeward terrain. This snowfall came in warm and ended cool, which created a right-side-up snowfall event. Skiers and riders venturing into very steep, avalanche-prone terrain might be able trigger a pocket of slab six to 12 inches deep.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Expect partly cloudy to mostly sunny skies as a transitory ridge of high pressure builds into the region. Overnight lows in the mountains will be near 10 degrees before rising into the mid-20s during the day. Westerly ridgetop winds will range from 15 to 25 miles per hour overnight before decreasing to 5 to 15 miles per hour during the day.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate on Sunday. Above 8,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger dense wind slabs six to 18 inches deep in steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain. As the day warms, extended periods of sunshine could make these slabs more susceptible to failure in sunlit areas that warm quickly and collect heat. In the Togwotee Pass forecast zone, a small chance remains for backcountry travelers to trigger deep persistent slabs failing on faceted snow in the lower portion of the snowpack.
