Tetons

Up to 18 inches of light density snow has fallen since early yesterday morning, and southwesterly ridgetop winds picked up overnight. With continued snowfall expected throughout the day, avalanche conditions will be very dangerous at the upper elevations and dangerous at the mid elevations. In these areas, skiers and riders are likely to trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind drifted avalanche starting zones, and natural activity can be expected. Loose snow sluffs involving the recent snowfall will also be likely in very steep terrain, and some potential remains for the release of a persistent deep slab avalanche. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended at the upper elevations, and expert terrain and snowpack evaluation will be required at the mid elevations. Play it safe; excellent skiing and riding can easily be found in low consequence terrain. At the lower elevations, backcountry travelers could trigger small pockets of wind slab on very steep, wind loaded terrain features.

Snowfall is to increase after midnight tonight, with periods of heavy snowfall expected by sunrise. Eight to twelve inches could fall during that time. Lighter snow is to fall through the day. Temperatures are to stay on the cold side, with highs near ten degrees in the mountains. Southwest winds are to have averages between fifteen and twenty-five miles per hour. In the high elevations of the Tetons, the danger rating will continue to be High where more significant snowfall keeps natural avalanche activity as likely. At the mid elevations and in the other forecast areas, the danger will be Considerable. The scenario can be explained as the potential for failure on two deep persistent weak layers being possible, as described above. In addition to the deeply buried problems the chance for new shallow wind slabs and for loose sloughs that could have significant volume exist in steep terrain. Staying in lower angle terrain and avoiding terrain traps are the best way to avoid these avalanche problems.