Tetons

At the mid and high elevations, the chance continues for skiers and riders to trigger wind slabs formed during the previous week's snowfall. These slabs have gained strength over the last few days but could still be initiated in very steep terrain features, particularly in unsupported slopes above cliff bands, along steep ridges, and in couloirs where unstable slabs could be found mid slope. Evaluate terrain and wind loading carefully to identify features of concern. At low elevations, avalanches are unlikely except for small isolated pockets in the steepest terrain.

Light snow is expected to fall tonight, becoming heavier after midnight. Snow is to diminish by late morning. This storm is tracking from the north and will favor the Teton and Togwotee Pass areas where three to four inches is expected. Approximately half that amount is expected in the Southwest trails areas. Expect morning temperatures in the single digits with highs near twenty. West winds overnight with averages near twenty miles per hour are to veer to the northwest and decrease as the day progresses. The general avalanche hazard will be Moderate at higher elevations and Low at lower elevations. In the Tetons, wind slabs lie at all elevations but are more widespread, more sensitive and deeper above 9000 where pockets to three feet could be triggered. Isolated, shallow pockets could be triggered below that elevation. In the other forecast areas that break in elevation for more abundant and more sensitive slabs comes at 8000 feet in the Togwotee area and 7500 feet in the Southwest Trails areas. In higher terrain there, wind slabs to three feet could be triggered. In areas with a shallow snowpack slabs could be triggered with two foot depths in isolated areas. A very slight chance also remains at Togwotee for a big heavy load to trigger large to very large hard slabs to the ground in steep avalanche paths.