Tetons

Above-freezing temperatures and direct sunlight will be the main contributing factor in decreasing the snowpack’s stability today. It will be possible for skiers and riders to trigger wet snow avalanches up to 4 feet in depth. These slides typically release slowly, but the debris can be entraining and destructive. Yesterday in all the forecast areas, there were observations of wet slide activity below an elevation of 9,000 feet. Today, the temperatures at the mid-elevations are starting out warmer than the previous days this week, and depending on the cloud cover, the hazard may quickly increase between the elevations of 7,500 to 8,500 feet. The warming temperatures will also increase the potential for triggering avalanches at the lower and upper elevations and weaken cornices. As the snow surfaces become damp, the stability can quickly change to unstable, and being on or below steep slopes at all elevations should be avoided. Backcountry travelers should use careful evaluation of the snowpack and terrain to travel safely through the mountains.

Cloud cover will decrease overnight, and mostly sunny to clear skies are expected during the day on Sunday. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low teens before rising into the mid-30s in the afternoon. Valley temperatures will be a little cooler starting off and then climb to near 40. Southerly to southwesterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 10 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate at all elevations on Sunday. In all forecast zones, the chance for wet slides on solar aspects will quickly increase as temperatures warm and the sun impacts snow surfaces. Skiers and riders could trigger these small to large slides, and natural activity could occur. In the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails forecast zones, large to very large persistent deep slab avalanches remain a concern, and this hazard will also increase as the day warms. Cornice failures will be possible, and they could easily trigger a wet slide or a deep persistent slab avalanche. Terrain management is the way to avoid these hazards. Monitor temperatures and the impact of the sun, and transition to shaded slopes when snow surfaces become damp. If you are skiing high up in the Tetons, have a plan to safely descend in shaded terrain before you start your day.