Low hazard does not mean no hazard exists. Above 8000 feet, small pockets of slab could be triggered on isolated wind loaded terrain features and in extreme terrain. These pockets will be more prevalent in the west and north part of the Teton area where significantly more snow has fallen and where loose snow sloughing could also occur on very steep slopes. Use caution as even small slides can carry the unsuspecting into rugged and unforgiving terrain associated with a shallow snowpack.
Moderate winds from varying directions have formed small pockets of soft slab along ridge crests and in exposed terrain prone to wind loading. Although these slabs have become less sensitive in the cold conditions over the last 24 hours they could still be triggered today in isolated areas with depths to eighteen inches in locations favored by the recent snowfall.
Several more inches of snow are to fall overnight with lingering snow showers on Wednesday bringing another inch or two of accumulation. West winds with 20 -30 mph averages are to accompany this snowfall. Temperatures at higher elevations are to rise from the low to high teens. The general avalanche danger will be Moderate above 8000 feet where winds will have moved recent and new snow to form soft slabs in avalanche starting zones that are prone to wind loading. Slab depths will vary by location but could be as deep as two feet on the west side of the Tetons where the most snow has fallen. Caution is advised as early season conditions exist and even small slabs can cause severe injuries as they can quickly carry someone into rocky terrain.
