The snowpack is generally stable with the exception of wind slabs that were formed by strong west to northwest winds over the last 24 hours. The strong winds transported the new snow as well as redistributed the light snow that fell Saturday night. Yesterday afternoon, small slabs were triggered in the Teton forecast area in areas that were rapidly loading. Watch for pockets of unstable snow on terrain features near wind loaded ridges and cliff bands at the upper elevations and on isolated terrain features at lower elevations. Slab depths of up to twelve inches are possible at the higher elevations. Remember that small slides can carry harsh consequences in unforgiving terrain.
Wind slabs with depths of 4 to 12 inches could be triggered in loaded terrain. A skier or rider who triggers one of these fresh slabs could be knocked over and carried. If skies stay mostly cloudy as expected, this hazard could decrease slightly this afternoon as winds diminish and slabs stabilize.
Little snow is expected overnight. The next system is to bring light snow to the area on Wednesday. At the upper elevations, accumulations of two to four inches are expected in the Tetons, one to three in the Togwotee Pass area and an inch or two in the Southwest Trails area. High temperatures in mountain terrain are to reach into the low thirties. Winds are to be slightly lower with 20-25 mph averages from the southwest overnight before veering back to the west-northwest tomorrow. The avalanche danger will be Low. At the higher elevations, isolated pockets of wind slab will susceptible to human triggers on wind loaded terrain features. These slabs will be small in size but travelers are advised that even small slides can have consequences when triggered in exposed or extreme terrain.
