Winds that have varied greatly in direction have transported and shaped recently fallen snow into surface slabs. These slabs lie upon weak snow layers and hard crusts and are expected to be sensitive to backcountry skiers and riders above an elevation of 8000 feet. Avalanches are unlikely below that elevation as little new snow was received. Caution is advised as clear skies and powder has a tendency to lure people into active avalanche paths. Evaluate routes carefully and identify terrain features where wind loading has occurred.
Strong winds that have veered from the south-southwest to the east have deposited new snow onto leeward terrain. These soft slabs will be more prevalent at the higher elevations where slab depths to eighteen inches could be found.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )By morning, summit temperatures are to drop to near zero and winds are to become northeasterly. During the day wind speeds of ten to fifteen miles per hour are expected with highs in the teens. Skies are to be partly to mostly clear. The avalanche hazard in the Tetons will be Moderate above 9000 feet where pockets of soft slab with depths to eighteen inches can be triggered in wind loaded terrain features. Below that elevation, isolated pockets of shallow slab could be triggered to 7500 feet. Avalanches are not likely below 7500 feet due to a lack of new snowfall but note that although the snowpack is thin at low elevations, surface hoar over a crust is also prevalent for future loading concerns. Similar conditions exist in the Togwotee Pass and Southwest trails areas, however the rating will be lower due to less snowfall and therefore smaller slab development occurring over the last 24 hours.
