Tetons

The avalanche danger is Low today. Overnight temperatures were above 32 degrees, with freezing temperatures arriving in the early morning hours near 9,000 feet. Cooling temperatures and mostly cloudy skies will keep snow surfaces firm. Passing periods of sun may help the snowpack soften below 8,000 feet, though it is unlikely it will be enough to affect stability. Continue to be vigilant for signs of wet snow instabilities should the sun peak out. Sticky snow, wet enough to dampen your glove is an indicator that conditions are deteriorating. Wet loose avalanches are unlikely, but if triggered, are expected to be small. Isolated pockets of wind loaded snow exist in steep terrain above 9,000 feet. These may be found near ridge tops, at the bottom of cliffs and in cross loaded gullies. Smooth loaded terrain features and firm, hollow sounding snow are signs a wind slab may be present. The likelihood of triggering a pocket is unlikely, but if so, consequences could be substantial if in extreme terrain. Only expose one person at a time and ensure that safe zones are truly safe.

Snow showers will develop tonight and carry over into tomorrow. Westerly winds will average in the twenties and temperatures will drop into the teens near 9,000 feet. As this storm moves in, the Tetons and Togwotee Pass will see snowfall first, with 3”-6” expected by mid-morning and up to 8” by evening. The northern Grey’s River area could receive 3” by morning and up to 6” by evening. Light snow showers will continue through the day and taper off into the evening.With new snow slated to fall overnight and strong westerly winds, expect wind slabs to form on leeward aspects. Tomorrow it will be possible to trigger a wind slab up to a foot thick in steep wind loaded terrain. Smooth, loaded pillows and hard, hollow sounding snow are signs wind loading is occurring. Instabilities will be isolated to the new snow given the already generally strong snowpack.Tomorrow the avalanche danger may increase to Moderate in the afternoon above 8,000 feet. Below 8,000 feet, avalanches will be unlikely, and the danger will be Low.