Over the past few days, the Tetons have received around 10 inches of light density snow. Overnight, ridgetop winds picked up to 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts to 42. The combination of new snow, snow available for transport and strong winds has created pockets of wind slab in upper elevation terrain. These slabs, along with loose snow sluffs, could be human triggered above 9,000 feet. Backcountry travelers might be able to trigger an isolated pocket of newly developed soft slab at the mid elevations, and the snowpack is mostly stable at the lower elevations.
Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds overnight have created wind slabs in leeward terrain above 9,000 feet. These slabs have formed above hard sliding surfaces and weak, faceted snow. Skiers and riders venturing into steep, wind-loaded terrain could trigger these slides to depths of 6 to 18 inches.
Moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast to become widespread tonight and continue into the day. This flow should once again favor southern areas of our forecast region. New snow accumulations of 6 to 18 inches are possible during the next 24 hours. Stronger southwest winds will accompany the snowfall. Temperatures will remain in the teens and 20s.The new snow and wind will increase the avalanche hazard. New soft slabs will increase in size and distribution and are expected to continue to be very sensitive to human triggers. The general avalanche is expected to increase to CONSIDERABLE in the Southwest Trails forecast area where new snowfall totals are expected to exceed a foot. The hazard is expected to be MODERATE in areas that receive lesser amounts of new snow overnight.
