Tetons

Isolated pockets of hard wind slab exist. Yesterday backcountry skiers triggered a 20 inch deep hard slab on a southeast aspect of Teewinot Mountain at an elevation of 10,300 feet. This small surface slab was likely formed by recent northerly winds and failed on surface hoar and a sun crust. Although the snowpack is mostly stable and the avalanche hazard is low skiers or riders who venture into steep terrain could trigger similar events today.

Pacific moisture is expected to move into the area as a trough in southern British Columbia breaks down the high pressure ridge that has dominated our weather. Periods of light snowfall are expected to develop overnight and continue through the weekend. A couple of inches of accumulation are expected overnight. On Friday skies will be overcast with several additional inches of snowfall. Temperatures will be in the 20s. Winds will be northwest at 25 miles per hour with higher gusts along the ridge crests. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW, but will increase as the day progresses. Shallow new soft slabs will build on leeward aspects and could reach depths of six to 12 inches by evening. These small slabs and loose snow sluffs could be easily triggered by skiers and riders on very steep slopes.