As a weather system moves into the area, increased snowfall rates, winds speeds, and rising temperatures could form wind slabs at the upper elevations. As the new loading occurs, the avalanche hazard rating will increase from Low to Moderate. Warming temperatures throughout the day will also cause the snowpack to become upside-down, with heavier snow over lighter snow, resulting in slab avalanches being more easily triggered. Backcountry travelers should monitor the changing conditions during the day as it may become possible to trigger small avalanches on wind-loaded slopes above 9,000 feet. Where new snow is loaded over a weak snowpack, avalanches could step down into the older snow. Below 8,500 feet, avalanches are unlikely. When venturing into the backcountry today, remember the higher consequences of being involved in a slide with the thin snow coverage.
At the upper elevations, the avalanche hazard will be increasing throughout the day as slopes continue to be loaded with new snow and south-southwesterly winds transporting snow. Avalanches are expected to be small with depths of about 12 inches or less.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )As the upper-level flow transitions from northwest to southwest, temperatures are expected to increase, and an unsettled weather pattern will move into the region. Light snowfall will continue overnight and then is expected to increase to moderate snowfall rates on Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from 5 PM tonight through 11 PM on Sunday for the Teton, Gros Ventre, and Yellow stone areas, with snowfall amounts from 6 to 12 inches and wind gusts on the high peaks to 55 miles per hour. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will be 25 to 30 miles per hour with higher gusts. Mountain temperatures should be about 10 degrees warmer than today, starting in the teens and then warm into the twenties. As the stormy weather moves into the region, the avalanche hazard will increase. The warming trend will also cause newly formed wind slabs to be upside down (heavier snow over lighter snow) and more reactive to triggers. The timing of the storm's arrival will dictate tomorrow’s avalanche hazard. Mountain enthusiasts, who venture on the few slopes at the upper elevations with enough snow to ski, should monitor for recent loading and travel with caution when rapid changes such as temperature, wind, and snowfall affect the existing snowpack.Early season conditions continue to be a concern, and the new light density snow has only made it more challenging to identify hidden obstacles. Please, travel with caution when sliding on the current thin snowpack.
