Tetons

Banded pulses of snow brought two to eight inches of new snow in the past 24 hours on an otherwise stable snowpack in the Tetons. Scattered snow showers will bring more snow today with the potential for 1-3 inches falling in the afternoon as bands of snow pass by. Combined with yesterday's snowfall, you can expect 8-10 inches of new snow in some places. The new snow is likely to sluff easily in steep terrain, especially where it lies on the firm, slick snow surfaces in previously wind-hammered or sun-exposed terrain. Sheltered northerly terrain, mostly at mid-elevations, that contain deeper surface facets could generate larger sluffs. Slab formation is unlikely today which limits our avalanche problems to these dry, loose avalanches and perhaps some thin, wind slabs that may pile up and form aprons at the exit of couloirs or beneath steep cliffs. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on these specific terrain features. Snow depths are variable, so you may also encounter firm snow surfaces or dust-on-crust conditions in some areas. These firm surfaces increase the consequences of being carried or hit by a small dry, loose avalanche.

Expect dry and cooler weather tomorrow with highs in the mountains in the mid-teens. Northwesterly winds will continue to increase, reaching the 25-30 mph range in the higher terrain tomorrow. The new snow and wind will combine to build isolated wind slabs, possibly a foot thick, in places with a good fetch that holds adequate fresh snow. Due to the isolated nature of these small slabs, avalanche danger will be Low. The firm and icy surface beneath the recent snow may make these more consequential on steep slopes with the hard crust beneath them.