Tetons

An early season snowpack with depths of 6 to 18 inches exist at the mid and upper elevations. Some consolidation of that snow is occurring due to the combined effects of mild temperatures and snow settlement. Strong winds over the weekend created areas of wind packed snow. Avalanches are unlikely. However, due to the shallow snow depths, the consequences of a small human triggered slab avalanche in very steep terrain could be severe. The ground surface is mostly bare below an elevation of 7,500 feet.

Cooler air will continue to move into the region as the leading edge of the large trough slowly moves east. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with mountain snow showers. Several additional inches of snowfall are likely at the higher elevations by sunset on Wednesday. Temperatures will fall into the upper teens overnight and remain in the 20s in the mountains during the day. Winds will slowly veer to the west and relax to speeds of 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard above an elevation of 8,000 feet is expected to be LOW. The early season snowpack is mostly stable and avalanches are unlikely. At the upper elevations some limited opportunities for early season ski touring exist in gentle terrain that is free of rocks and obstacles. The main hazard is the potential for injury due to the shallow snow depths. People who are tempted to enter into steep terrain with fresh deposits of wind-blown snow could trigger dense surface slabs up to two feet in depth with potentially serious consequences.