The avalanche danger is Low this morning above 8,500 feet and Moderate below that elevation. The danger will increase to Moderate in the upper elevations in the afternoon. Warm temperatures overnight have prevented freezing of snow surfaces in the lower elevations. Temperatures will rise to above freezing in the upper elevations this afternoon. As the air warms so will the snowpack. Expect wet loose and small pockets of wet slab avalanches to be easily triggered on steep sunlit terrain at all elevations. These avalanches will be relatively small but large enough to carry and injure riders and skiers. Plan your day in anticipation of increasing danger and have low angle route options for getting out of the mountains today.
Wet loose avalanches will become easier to trigger in steep terrain as the day progresses. Expect these avalanches to entrain enough snow to carry riders and skiers into terrain traps and cause injury. The likelihood of triggering will increase during periods of clearing where the sun will accelerate the melting of snow surfaces.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Cloud cover will increase overnight as a disorganized system to the north brushes by the Togwotee and Teton forecast areas. There will be a slight chance for isolated snow showers. Accumulation will be minimal with a trace to an inch possible overnight and into tomorrow. Temperatures overnight will be in the twenties between 8,000-9,000 feet. Daytime highs tomorrow will be in the low thirties at 10,000 feet and low to mid forties in the valleys. Winds will be strong overnight, mainly out of the west at 30-35 mph. Wind speeds will diminish during the day into the 15-20 mph range.Warm temperatures and occasional sunshine will be the drivers of any avalanche activity tomorrow. Expect shallow wet loose avalanche activity in steep terrain receiving direct sunlight at all elevations. These will be relatively small but large enough to knock you off your feet or change the direction of your snowmobile. Isolated pockets of shallow wind slab will also be of concern in the upper elevations. Both of these avalanche problems will be small enough to warrant a Low danger rating but should remain on the radar especially as temperatures rise during the day. Pay attention to signs of warming and plan your travel accordingly.
