Several more inches of new snow has fallen and both wind speeds and temperatures have increased. Human triggered avalanches are possible today in terrain above 9000 feet where wind slabs have formed over weak snow surfaces and hard crusts. Loose snow sloughs in steep terrain are also possible. Below 9000 feet, unstable snow can be found on steep isolated terrain features. Use caution as moving snow can quickly sweep unsuspecting travelers into rocky terrain that is barely covered by the new snowfall.
Strong west winds have formed soft slabs with depths to eighteen inches that could be triggered today in steep leeward terrain at the higher elevations.
( Discussion is generated from the previous day's afternoon forecast. )Several more inches of snow are to fall overnight with lingering snow showers on Wednesday bringing another inch or two of accumulation. West winds with 20 -30 mph averages are to accompany this snowfall. Temperatures at higher elevations are to rise from the low to high teens. The general avalanche danger will be Moderate above 8000 feet where winds will have moved recent and new snow to form soft slabs in avalanche starting zones that are prone to wind loading. Slab depths will vary by location but could be as deep as two feet on the west side of the Tetons where the most snow has fallen. Caution is advised as early season conditions exist and even small slabs can cause severe injuries as they can quickly carry someone into rocky terrain.
