Tetons

The Tetons received one to three inches of new snow overnight. West-northwest winds averaging in the low thirties overnight have been redistributing snow to leeward slopes. Slabs have been small, in the 8”-10” range and isolated on steeper slopes and rollovers in the upper elevations. Loose snow avalanches are also possible on steeper, shady terrain. The old snow surface is a mix of sun crust, wind board and dry faceted snow in sheltered areas. Determining how the snow is bonding may be tricky. These problems will pose more of a risk in areas that have seen higher snowfall accumulations.During backcountry travel today look for smooth, wind loaded terrain features and signs of instability like shooting cracks. Though both of these problems are expected to be small and isolated, they could become dangerous if caught off guard in consequential terrain.

Overnight valley temperatures will be in the twenties and in the teens at mid and high elevations. A trace of snow is possible overnight as flurries continue into the early morning. Expect temperatures to rise into the high twenties at mid elevations with scattered clouds for the duration of the day. Tonight westerly wind will continue with speeds in the low twenties. Tomorrow speeds will increase to the low thirties at the high elevations.For Saturday, natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely, and the danger will be Low. The wind is redistributing the new snow that fell two days ago. Small wind loaded pockets may pose a hazard on very steep, high elevation terrain. Sustained slopes over forty degrees that have cold faceted snow could harbor a loose dry avalanche problem. Both of these hazards are expected to be small and isolated, though if found in consequential terrain, the outcome could be dire.