Tetons

Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely today though isolated pockets of unstable snow may exist. Three to six inches of new snow that fell since Friday evening was very light density. This snow fell on crusts that vary from hard and slick to breakable. These hard surfaces and breakable crusts beneath the recent snowfall continue to create challenging conditions in steep terrain. Expect sluffing to occur in steep terrain and look for signs of wind drifted snow near ridgetops.

A Winter Storm Warning goes into effect tonight with 2-3” new snow overnight and 3-5” more tomorrow. Though the heaviest snow will occur Tuesday night, west winds tomorrow in the higher elevations are likely to create a wind slab problem worthy of a Moderate danger rating. While natural avalanches aren’t likely, any wind slabs that form are likely to be sensitive to triggering as they are forming. Slab depths could reach one to two feet later in the day if snowfall totals and wind speeds turn out as forecasted.