Tetons

Light density snow that fell yesterday in combination with the additional snowfall from this week, lies over a mostly stable snowpack of melt-freeze crusts and firm surfaces. This morning on steep slopes at the mid and upper elevations, skiers and riders could trigger small loose snow slides and along the high ridges, small slab avalanches 10 to 15 inches deep. The solar impact and warming temperatures will cause these hazards to become more reactive to triggers in the afternoon. At the upper elevations and in areas with a foot or more of loose snow, the avalanche hazard will increase during the warmest portions of the day. On slopes with high consequences, like over cliffs or terrain traps, small avalanches could have severe outcomes. Backcountry travelers should monitor the daily warming and avoid steep terrain as the snow surfaces transition from dry to damp.

A ridge of high pressure will bring dry weather and mostly sunny skies to the forecast area tomorrow through Sunday. Northwesterly to westerly winds are expected to be 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Mountain temperatures will warm into the upper 20s and low 30s and valleys into the upper 30s and low 40s. In the Grey’s River and Togwotee Pass forecast areas, the avalanche hazard will be Low. Skiers and riders could trigger small pockets of wind slab and loose snow sluff on steep terrain at the upper elevations, and in the afternoon, small wet loose slides will be possible. In the Teton forecast area, the avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate. Increased wind speeds overnight and into tomorrow will transport snow and form small wind slabs. On steep avalanche terrain at the mid and upper elevations, it will be possible for a person to trigger these slabs with depths up to 12 inches as well as loose snow slides. In the afternoon and on slopes in direct sunlight, the solar input and warming temperatures will increase the potential for triggering small avalanches. The warming temperatures could also result in natural small loose slides on steep solar aspects.