Tetons

Strong southwest winds and dense snow have created slabs to a foot in depth on steep, lee slopes at upper elevations. The slabs rest on sun crusts and loose graupel snow and may be triggered by backcountry travelers on avalanche prone terrain near ridge crests and under rock bands where deeper snow has accumulated. At low elevations any periods of sustained rain will increase the chance of wet-loose slides on steep areas.

The westerly flow will continue tonight with strong winds finally weakening Wednesday morning. Light snow is possible at the upper elevations overnight then a slight chance of snow showers Wednesday. Temperatures will cool into the teens overnight at 10,000 feet then warm Wednesday to the low 30s. Lower elevations are expected to warm into the 40s. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Moderate Wednesday in the Tetons and Low in the Greys River and Togwotee Pass areas where less snow has accumulated. Soft slabs to a foot in depth could be triggered by people on steep, lee slopes at upper elevations. The graupel within the new snow could make slabs more sensitive to triggering. Periods of sunshine could make slabs more sensitive and create the chance of wet-loose slides initiated by people or new snow falling from cliffs and trees.