The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective through 6 AM on Sunday. Above 8,500 feet, skiers and riders could trigger loose snow sluffs and pockets of newly developed wind slab in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. As the day progresses, the hazard will increase as these slabs gain depth and volume. Monitor snowfall amounts and avoid steep terrain with obvious signs of wind loading. The snowpack below 7,500 feet, which has undergone numerous melt-freeze cycles and rain events, is mostly resistant to wet slides even with valley rain in the forecast.
New wind slabs, which are forming upon a warm snowpack, will continue to build as the day progresses. Backcountry travelers venturing into steep, wind-loaded avalanche terrain could trigger these slabs to depths of 6 to 18 inches by this evening.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning beginning tonight at 6 PM and continuing through 6 AM on Sunday. A strong Pacific low pressure system will bring mountain snow and valley rain to the region beginning this evening and continuing through the day on Saturday. Overnight, the rain line will drop to around 7,500 feet, and by Saturday evening 10 to 15 inches of heavy, wet snow could accumulate in the higher elevations of the Tetons and Southwest Trails area. Lesser amounts are anticipated in the Togwotee Pass forecast zone. Overnight lows in the mountains will be in the low 20s before rising into the upper 20s during the day. In the valleys, temperatures could drop to near freezing by the early morning hours before climbing into the low 40s in the afternoon. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will range from 10 to 20 miles per hour.The general avalanche hazard could increase to MODERATE in the mountains on Saturday if forecasted snowfall amounts are accurate. There, skiers and riders could trigger pockets of newly developed soft slab and loose snow sluffs in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Any slab development will form upon a warm snowpack. As the day progresses, the hazard will increase as these slabs gain depth and volume. Monitor snowfall amounts and avoid steep terrain with obvious signs of wind loading. The lower elevation snowpack, which has undergone numerous melt-freeze cycles and rain events, is mostly resistant to wet slides even with valley rain in the forecast.
