Tetons

The avalanche danger will be Low today. The danger may increase at lower elevations dependent on the rain/snow line and warm temperatures. The passing weather system will produce light rain in the valleys and light snow at upper elevations. Snowfall accumulations will not be enough to greatly change the stability. Mostly cloudy skies and colder temperatures will keep the snow surfaces firm above 9,000ft. Below 9,000ft the snow surfaces may soften with warmer air temperatures. Wet snow will be encountered at lower elevations, but avalanches are unlikely. If the rain line moves up in elevation out of the valleys, it is possible for the snowpack to lose its strength quickly. Be prepared for changing snow conditions at lower elevations. On steep, northerly aspects above 9,000ft, persistent weak layers buried up to three feet deep still exist though the likelihood of triggering is very low.

There is a slight chance of snow overnight. This favors the northern Tetons and Absarokas, with two to four inches possible in the mountains. Nighttime temperatures will dip down into the teens near 9,000ft. Friday will be partly cloudy with temperatures at the mid elevations reaching into the low to mid-thirties. Ridgetop winds will veer to the west at 10-15mph.With an overnight freeze expect morning snow surfaces to be firm. Aspects on the southerly half of the compass will warm rapidly once the sun comes out. Below 9,000ft the snowpack may become unsupportive during the heat of the day. Wet avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. The slight chance of snow overnight will not decrease the overall stability of the snowpack, but small sluffs may be possible. The avalanche danger will be Low but may increase at lower elevations as temperatures rise.On northerly aspects the warmup and subsequent freeze during the last week has helped stabilize persistent weak layers. That being said, they continue to lurk 1-3 feet below the surface on steep, cold aspects above 9,000ft. Although triggering these layers is very unlikely, being caught by these slides could have dire consequences.