Tetons

Heightened avalanche conditions exist at upper elevations where wind slabs continue to grow. Snowfall from the past three days has been light density and is being easily transported by moderate winds. These slabs are expected to be small in most areas but could be dangerous in consequential terrain and larger in areas with a greater fetch. On sheltered slopes near 40 degrees loose dry avalanches are possible. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully today for signs of wind deposited snow.

A ridge of high pressure over the western US will bring dry weather through the weekend. Overnight, a temperature inversion will form with valleys reaching -13 and the mountains ranging from -10 to -5 degrees F. Tomorrow skies will be mostly sunny, and the inversion should break with valleys warming into the twenties and mountains into the teens. Winds are expected to be light from the westerly to northwesterly. Across all three forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will be Low and avalanche activity is expected to be limited to small slides on very steep terrain. Shallow wind slabs of less than a foot in depth could be found above 9,000 feet on wind loaded slopes. As the day warms, sheltered sunny aspects could be affected by solar radiation and result in small loose snow slides. These avalanche problems will be small, so backcountry travelers should be mindful of terrain traps and carry rescue gear. At the mid and lower elevations, avalanche activity is unlikely. In the Tetons above the forecasted area of 10,500 feet, the avalanche hazard may be heightened due to the potential of a bit larger and more reactive wind slabs.