The freeze was only three to five hours last night up to 9,000ft. Though short, this is likely enough to keep the wet snow problems at bay until the afternoon. Increasing clouds by mid-day should help temper the sun. As ambient air temperatures increase and the sun peeks through, stability can deteriorate quickly. The snowpack has become isothermal in some places, it is not likely that it has completely refrozen. Anticipate increasing avalanche danger as temperatures rise today. Carefully assess the depth of freeze as rapid changes can occur.Drew Gibson,Forecaster
Moderate danger for loose wet avalanches will exist when the snow softens. Steep slopes and terrain features with gloppy snow can be likely trigger points. Inspecting below the surface for unsupportive wet snow can aid in the stability assessment. Be prepared to change plans early when wet, unsupportive snow is encountered.
Unsettled weather has started to move into the forecast area with a cold front pushing into northern Wyoming and moisture approaching from the southwest. Precipitation overnight and through tomorrow is expected to favor the east slope of the divide and for our forecast area, Togwotee Pass. Accumulation by Saturday evening is expected to be 6-10 inches on Togwotee Pass, 4-6 inches in the Tetons, and 4-8 inches in the Salt and Wyoming Ranges. Temperatures overnight should cool into the twenties at all elevations and then warm into the upper twenties in the mountains and mid-thirties in the valleys. Southerly to southwesterly winds will veer to the north and are expected to be light to moderate tomorrow.Due to the cooling temperature trend, the wet snow avalanche hazard will decrease overnight and will only be an issue on steep slopes below 8,000 feet if surfaces melt. These slides will be small and isolated to steep terrain. The dry snow avalanche hazard will depend on snowfall amounts. The new snow will fall on both warm crusts and slick frozen crusts, which will determine how well it bonds to existing surfaces. Shallow, small storm and wind slabs may form at the upper elevations and could be triggered by backcountry travelers on steep slopes. The avalanche hazard is expected to be Low tomorrow, although if winds and snowfall exceed the forecast the hazard could increase.
