Abundant snowfall and very strong westerly ridgetop winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. As wind slabs continue to build, they are also adding weight to persistent weak layers deep within the snowpack. Both human triggered and natural avalanches are likely at the upper elevations and TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED. This scenario demands respect at the mid elevations, and a conservative approach should be used for travel and terrain choices. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger slabs one to two feet in depth in steep, wind-loaded terrain.
Newly created wind slabs up to 30 inches deep, along with older wind slabs up to four feet deep, are very likely to be triggered by backcountry travelers. These slides could also release naturally.
New snow and wind continue to load persistent weak layers deep within the snowpack. These slides could be triggered by backcountry travelers, step down from the release of a wind slab or possibly occur naturally. These slabs could have depths of four to six feet and the consequences of being caught would most likely be fatal.
Temperatures are to remain cold as unstable air continues to cross the area. Periods of snow are likely and although there is not significant moisture associated with this system, the cold temperatures will aid in production of light snow and localized areas could see 6-10 inches by Saturday afternoon. These periods of snow will continue Saturday night. High temperatures should reach the upper teens in the mountains. Winds are to remain strong in the Southwest trails area with 30-40 mph averages while winds in the Teton and Togwotee areas are to be lower with 15-20 mph averages expected.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable in all three forecast areas. New and recently formed wind slabs with depths to three feet could be triggered on leeward slopes. Additional hazard lies in deep weaknesses within the snowpack. These slabs are dangerous due to the fact that failure at these greater depths is very difficult to predict but if triggered, these slabs will be very large and involve old hard snow. It would be very unlikely to survive one of these large destructive avalanches and large avalanche paths that are prone to heavy wind loading should be avoided.
