The avalanche danger is Moderate above 8,000 feet today. In the past week over 20” of snow has fallen. The snowpack is still adjusting to this new load. The likelihood of triggering a wind slab is slowly reducing. Natural wind slab avalanches will be unlikely, but it will still be possible to trigger a large slide on steep, wind loaded slopes. Slabs may exist on multiple aspects due to shifting winds during the last storm. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks and collapsing in loaded snow. With cloudy skies and snow showers today, visibility will be reduced, and signs of instability may be hard to observe. Practice safe travel by moving one at a time and ensure safe zones are truly safe. Below 8,000 feet avalanches are unlikely.
Wind slabs may have formed up to three feet thick. Loaded slopes near ridge tops and cross loaded terrain features may be identified by their smooth, rounded appearance. Hollow sounding snow, and shooting cracks are indicators a slab is present. Carefully evaluate wind loaded terrain before committing to a slope.
Loose dry avalanches will be possible in very steep sheltered terrain above 8,000 feet. These slides could entrain large amounts of snow if on large unsupported slopes. Consider possible terrain traps below, as they can amplify the danger of these avalanches.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will pause overnight. Tomorrow morning will be mostly cloudy though the sun may peak through occasionally. Scattered flurries will start back up early afternoon. The majority of the snow looks to fall in the evening and overnight with 2-4” possible. Temperatures will warm into the low to mid-thirties near 9,000 feet and winds will be predominantly from the south at 15-25 mph.The likelihood of triggering a wind slab is slowly reducing. With no new wind slab activity and a pause in snowfall, tomorrow the avalanche danger will be Moderate above 7,500 feet in the Tetons. Natural avalanches will be unlikely, but it will still be possible to trigger a large slide on steep, wind loaded slopes. As wind transport continues, snow on loaded terrain features and pillows may stiffen. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks and collapsing. Loose dry avalanches will be possible in steep, sheltered terrain above 9,000 feet. Practice good sluff management to help deal with this hazard as some of these could become large in bigger terrain. Below 7,500 feet, avalanches will be unlikely and small if encountered, the danger will be Low.On Togwotee Pass and the Southwest Trails areas the avalanche danger will be Moderate above 8,000 feet. Below 8,000 feet the danger will be Low.
