Tetons

Mountain temperatures are up to ten degrees warmer than yesterday. Although avalanches are unlikely this morning, the chance for wet slides will develop by this afternoon as direct sunlight and rising temperatures weaken the upper portion of the snowpack. Back country riders and skiers should be wary of mountain travel this afternoon when slopes will become less stable and slides could also impact trails and traverses from above. This is true even in highest elevations where peaks are experiencing the warmest temperatures of the year and cornices and snow surfaces could see dramatic weakening if prolonged periods of sunshine occur. Roof slides continue to pose a threat as they rapidly melt following weak overnight freezing.

Warmer and dryer weather ahead of the next storm system is on tap for Wednesday. Overnight lows will be in the 20s. Skies that will be partly cloudy in the morning will become overcast by evening. Temperatures will rise into the 40s and 50s. Light to moderate winds will back to the south ahead of an approaching cold front that will move though the areas during the evening hours. The wet snow avalanche hazard is expected to be low in all areas and elevations during the early morning hours and will increase to moderate after warming temperatures soften snow surfaces. Plan to be off of and out from under steep terrain after snow surfaces lose their integrity. Roof slides continue to be hazard.In the Togwotee Pass and Southwest Trails areas some potential also remains for snowmachines to trigger large persistent slab avalanches with depths to six feet in isolated areas.