Tetons

The avalanche danger is Low today. The majority of terrain holds mostly stable snow. The exception to this is on steep wind loaded terrain features in the upper elevations. Isolated pockets of newly formed wind slab, 8-10” in depth, may be triggered by skiers and riders. These slabs will have enough volume knock you off of your feet. This will be more of an issue in terrain that is exposed to hazards below such as cliffs, trees and gullies. Be on the lookout for signs of recent wind loading such as smooth, rounded pockets of snow and shooting cracks. As always it is important to follow safe travel protocols by exposing only one person at a time and utilizing islands of safety in steep terrain.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that is currently in effect and will last until 5pm tomorrow. Snowfall will continue tonight. By morning expect 4-6” in the Tetons and 3-5” on the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass and in the Southwest Trails/Grey’s River areas. Another 1-3” of accumulation can be expected during the day tomorrow with lesser amounts in the southern reaches of the Southwest Trails forecast area. Ridgetop winds will be out of the west at 15-20 mph. Temperatures will follow a downward trend as arctic air begins to filter into the region. Overnight lows between 8,000 and 9,000 feet will be in the teens and will only rise slightly, into the high teens, during the day tomorrow.New snow and wind will help to build slabs that may be sensitive to human triggers tomorrow. These slabs will be most prominent on leeward slopes in the upper elevations and have the potential to injure and/or bury backcountry travelers. The danger will rise to Moderate in these areas. It will be important to approach terrain cautiously and be on the lookout for obvious signs of unstable snow. Avalanches, shooting cracks and whoompfing are all indicators that the snowpack around you is unstable. In areas receiving the lower end of forecasted snow amounts avalanches will be unlikely and the danger will remain Low.