Since midnight, snowfall rates and wind speeds have increased, resulting in the formation of wind slabs in steep terrain at the high elevations. These slabs will increase in size and sensitivity today as they are further loaded by additional snowfall and sustained strong winds. By mid-morning pockets of slab could be triggered on steep wind loaded features near ridges and in cliffy terrain. At the mid and low elevations, the snowpack is stable and avalanche activity will be limited to small isolated events involving new snow in very steep terrain. Extra caution is advised as small slides can still carry severe consequences and during the COVID situation, any additional strain to the health care system should be avoided. There is no parking on Teton Pass today between Wilson Wyoming and the Idaho State line in advance of a planned 4pm road closure for avalanche mitigation. Grand Teton National Park is closed. Practice recommended protocols involving the COVID-19 pandemic such as social distancing at access points.
Strong southwest winds and new snow are forming soft wind slabs in high elevation terrain. As the day progresses, these slabs will increase in size and could involve recently formed wind slabs to total depths of 18 inches.
Snow showers are to taper off overnight with lingering snow showers expected through the day on Wednesday. Temperatures are to drop to near ten degrees overnight before rising into the low twenties in the afternoon. Valley temperatures are to reach the high thirties. Winds are to have 10-20 mph averages and be westerly. The general avalanche danger will be Moderate above 9000 feet where humans could trigger soft slabs to two foot depths in steep wind loaded terrain. These slabs will be dense and could easily knock a person over and carry them. Between 8000 and 9000 feet isolated pockets of shallow slab could be triggered in some areas. Avalanches are not expected at low elevations. In an effort to minimize the potential for backcountry rescue, evacuation, or the need for medical treatment, make very conservative terrain choices and avoid all steep avalanche paths at this time.
