Low elevation temperatures dipped to near freezing overnight and are expected to rise into the low 40s during the day. The possibility for wet slides will increase with daytime warming starting at the lower elevations and moving up in elevation as the day progresses. Afternoon sunshine could rapidly increase this hazard. Areas in the northern portion of the forecast zone, such as the Palisades, may have received higher amounts of snowfall, and skiers and riders could trigger small to large wind slabs in steep, wind loaded terrain above 8,000 feet. As the day warms, these slabs will become more susceptible to failure, especially if periods of sunshine occur in the afternoon. Get an early start, keep an eye on temperatures and solar input, and transition to shaded terrain when snow surfaces start to become wet.
Daytime warming will bring about the chance for wet loose and possibly wet slab avalanches. These slides could break into older snow at the lower elevations in terrain where unconsolidated, isothermal snow is present. Long, sustained couloirs could entrain significant amounts of snow and should be avoided.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Periods of light to moderate snowfall will be possible overnight in the northern portion of the forecast zone before dissipating during the day on Monday. Skies may begin to clear in the afternoon. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before climbing into the mid-30s during the day. The valleys may drop below freezing tonight before rising into the low 40s in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will decrease to 5 to 15 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Considerable above 9,000 feet in the Tetons and Moderate elsewhere. Temperatures and sunshine will be the two primary factors for the avalanche hazard on Monday. In steep avalanche terrain where the highest snowfall amounts occurred, skiers and riders could trigger newly developed wind slabs with depths from one to three feet. Small pockets of human triggered slab will be possible on steep slopes that only received modest amounts of snowfall. As the day warms, these slabs will become more susceptible to failure, especially if skies clear in the afternoon. Wet slides will also become a concern as the day heats up. Evaluate the amount of new snow in the terrain through which you’re traveling, and monitor warming conditions and solar input.
