Tetons

In steep avalanche terrain at the upper elevations, new and recent snowfall has been transported by wind, forming soft wind slabs on leeward slopes. Backcountry riders and skiers have the potential to trigger pockets of slab today involving density breaks within the recent snow or on recently buried crusts. Although avalanche activity is expected to be small in size, this danger still deserves respect. Watch for visual clues indicating wind loaded features on slopes near steep cliff areas and ridge crests. Remember that even small slides can knock someone off their feet which can be problematic in high consequence terrain. At the mid elevations, isolated pockets of wind slab could be found. At low elevations, avalanches are unlikely except for the chance of small wet slides as sunlight and warm temps weaken the snow surface.

Increasing clouds overnight and into tomorrow with a chance of light snow flurries during the day. In the mountains expect westerly winds averaging in the teens with temperatures rising to the twenties by mid-day.There are currently two avalanche problems, wind slabs involving the recent snowfall and persistent slabs involving deeper layers in the snowpack. Given the current significant spatial variability, determining where each problem is present is difficult. Wind slabs can be found near ridge crests and on steep wind loaded slopes. Persistent slabs exist where faceted snow is prevalent below the early March crust, it is most likely to be found on north facing slopes. Slab depths can vary and could be up to two feet thick for wind slabs and four feet thick for persistent slabs. Human triggered avalanches remain possible Friday and the avalanche danger will be Moderate in all forecast areas. Careful assessment of the snowpack is needed to identify areas of wind loading and areas where old weak snow is buried. Persistent slabs can break wider than expected and can also be triggered while adjacent to steep terrain.