Tetons

Cycles of warm days and cold nights have resulted in a snowpack that is stable this morning. Although initial temperatures are warmer at lower elevations today, the snow surface has still hardened due to radiational cooling. As direct sunlight and rapidly warming temperatures weaken the bonds of the surface crusts, wet slide activity will become possible this afternoon. This potential wet activity is likely to start with just surface snow but could entrain deeper layers of the snowpack, particularly as elevation decreases. Exit avalanche terrain before conditions are too warm for safe travel and follow social distancing protocols in the backcountry, at access points, and while travelling to those areas.

Snow and rain showers will move into the region after sunset and continue into Thursday. Snow levels will gradually lower in the afternoon. Snowfall totals by will be elevation dependent. An inch or less of new snow is expected below an elevation of 8,000 feet. Mid elevations (8,000 to 9,000 feet) should get 1 to 3 inches. Terrain between an elevation of 9,000 and 10,000 feet is likely to get 3 to 6 inches. Higher amounts (6 to 12 inches) are possible above an elevation of 10,000 feet. Due to the showery nature of this precipitation event locally higher amounts are possible at all elevations. Temperatures at the higher elevations will be in the 20’s tonight and rise into the 30’s during the day. Lower elevations temperatures will be in the 30’s tonight and will rise into the 40's. Winds will be westerly at 10 to 20 miles per hour with higher gusts. Warm overnight temperatures and rain showers may keep the wet snow avalanche hazard elevated below an elevation of 8,000 feet. Natural and human triggered wet snow slides are a possibility on very steep snow-covered slopes. Down there the general avalanche hazard is expected to be moderate. At the higher elevations (8,000 to 10,500 feet) the dry snow avalanche hazard is expected to be low but increasing. Up there shallow pockets of new wind slab 6 to 10 inches deep may begin to form in cliff areas and on the leeward side of exposed ridges.