The avalanche danger today above 8500 feet remains Moderate. Small amounts of new snow have formed isolated pockets of shallow wind slabs in the highest elevations. Weak layers near the base of the snowpack hold the potential to release avalanches in the 2-4 foot range in steep terrain. While the likelihood is low of triggering avalanches at these depths, the consequences are potentially high. Avalanches at lower elevations are unlikely today.
Although less likely, the possibility for human triggered avalanches involving weak snow near the base of the snowpack continues in steep upper elevation terrain. Use caution when approaching or entering into steep wind loaded terrain and follow safe travel protocols. Only expose one person at a time and avoid stopping in runout zones.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Snowfall will continue overnight. Total accumulations by morning will be in the 6-8” range in the Tetons, 4-6” in the Southwest Trails/Grey’s River, and 2-4” in the Togwotee Pass/Continental Divide area. Winds will veer overnight from west to northwest to north. As the wind direction shifts, the average speeds will lessen. Expect wind speeds in the twenties and slowing to ten mph by morning. Snow will taper off by the morning with gradually decreasing clouds through the day. Ridgetop temperatures will be in the teens overnight and rise into the low twenties tomorrow.New snow and wind have the potential to build shallow soft slabs in the highest elevations in the Tetons and Southwest Trails. This new snow will be falling on a variety of surfaces in upper elevation starting zones including crusts, firm wind packed snow and facets. In areas receiving the high end of forecasted snow amounts (greater than 6”) the avalanche danger may rise for a brief period into the Moderate range. In mid and lower elevations avalanches will be unlikely and the danger will remain Low.With less snow forecasted for Togwotee Pass the avalanche problem there will not be new snow related. The possibility still exists for triggering an avalanche on persistent weak layers in steep upper elevation terrain. The avalanche danger will remain Moderate in the upper elevations and Low in the lower elevations.
