Tetons

Yesterday a skier triggered an eight inch deep wind slab on a southeast aspect of Mt Wister at an elevation of 11,000 feet. Similar events are possible today on isolated terrain features at the highest elevations. These stiff slabs may be up to a foot deep and could knock a person over and result in serious consequences in cliff areas, steep couloirs, hanging snowfields and other extreme terrain features. Clear skies and cold overnight temperatures allowed the snow surfaces to freeze overnight. It will be warmer today than it was yesterday. Sunshine and warmer temperatures will increase the wet snow avalanche hazard. Wet slides could release naturally or be human triggered on very steep slopes.

A cold front is approaching from the north. As this system dives into central Wyoming it will bring clouds, a burst of snow, and much colder conditions to the region. Monday’s temperatures will be in the 20’s and 30’s. Tuesday’s early morning temperatures will be in the single digits and teens. Snowfall amounts by Monday evening will be 4 to 5 inches on Togwotee Pass and 1 to 3 inches in the other areas. Winds will be moderate at 15 to 20 miles per hour and veer to the north after the frontal passage.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be low. The snowpack is mostly stable. Avalanches are unlikely except for small pockets of wind slab less than a foot deep in isolated terrain features at the highest elevations.