The general avalanche hazard is MODERATE above 9,000 feet where skiers and riders could trigger surface slabs or potentially older persistent slabs in steep wind-loaded avalanche starting zones and cliff areas. Below 9,000 feet, the snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely except for in small isolated pockets in the steepest of terrain. As new snow accumulates this afternoon very shallow surface slabs or loose snow sluffs could also be triggered in steep terrain.
Firm surface slabs, one to two feet in depth, could be triggered by backcountry travelers in steep terrain. These slabs lie on a variety of aspects as they have been formed by southwest, northwest, northeast and east-southeast ridgetop winds.
On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000 feet, some potential persists for humans to trigger hard slabs to the base of the snowpack with depths to four feet.
( 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.
