The general avalanche hazard is LOW. Low does not mean no hazard exists. Skiers and riders could trigger shallow wind slabs in steep terrain above 9000 feet. Yesterday a skier went for a long ride in the Tetons when she triggered such an event. Avalanches are unlikely at lower elevations today. This will be the last weekend for avalanche advisories. Weather and snow data can still be viewed by clicking links to specific weather stations and weekly summaries will still be provided.
Varying winds have formed shallow hard surface slabs in steep terrain at high elevations. These slabs are likely to be small but could carry severe consequences as they can quickly carry a person over harsh terrain features.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The next storm system will move into the region from the west. Increasing clouds will bring light snowfall to the upper elevations overnight. Snowfall is likely during the day and will extend to the valley level with two to five inches of accumulation possible at the upper elevations by evening. Temperatures will drop into the teens overnight and rise into the 20s during the day. West winds will increase from 20 to 30 miles per hour by evening. Small pockets of shallow wind slab exist on a variety of aspects at the upper elevations. These stiff slabs could be triggered by skiers or riders in very steep terrain and pose a threat to humans who venture into cliff areas, steep chutes and other extreme terrain features. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be LOW and will be increasing at the highest elevations by evening.
