The avalanche danger is Moderate in the upper elevations today. New snow and winds have formed slabs that may be sensitive to human triggers. Loose snow avalanches will also be of concern in steep sustained upper elevation terrain. Below 8,500 feet avalanches are unlikely and the danger there is Low. Approach avalanche terrain cautiously today and be on the lookout for signs of unstable snow including recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and whoompfing. Travel one at a time in suspect areas, utilize islands of safety and communicate plans within your group.
6-8" of new snow accompanied with strong southwest winds have formed slabs up to a foot in depth. These slabs will be more sensitive in the higher elevations and on steeper slopes with firm and slick underlying bed surfaces.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that is currently in effect and will last until 5pm tomorrow. Snowfall will continue tonight. By morning expect 4-6” in the Tetons and 3-5” on the Continental Divide/Togwotee Pass and in the Southwest Trails/Grey’s River areas. Another 1-3” of accumulation can be expected during the day tomorrow with lesser amounts in the southern reaches of the Southwest Trails forecast area. Ridgetop winds will be out of the west at 15-20 mph. Temperatures will follow a downward trend as arctic air begins to filter into the region. Overnight lows between 8,000 and 9,000 feet will be in the teens and will only rise slightly, into the high teens, during the day tomorrow.New snow and wind will help to build slabs that may be sensitive to human triggers tomorrow. These slabs will be most prominent on leeward slopes in the upper elevations and have the potential to injure and/or bury backcountry travelers. The danger will rise to Moderate in these areas. It will be important to approach terrain cautiously and be on the lookout for obvious signs of unstable snow. Avalanches, shooting cracks and whoompfing are all indicators that the snowpack around you is unstable. In areas receiving the lower end of forecasted snow amounts avalanches will be unlikely and the danger will remain Low.
