Tetons

The General Avalanche Hazard at all elevations this morning is LOW and will rise to MODERATE by the afternoon at Mid and Lower elevations. At Upper elevations overnight cooling then increasing clouds will reduce but not eliminate the chance of triggering wet-loose slides. Above freezing overnight temperatures, morning sun and forecasted rain at Mid and Low elevations will combine to increase the chance of wet loose slides. The snow pack sits at the freezing point at Low elevations and as free water increases the stability of the snow will be lost and even small triggers may release rapidly growing, dangerous wet slides.

A large storm system is moving toward the region. Snow is expected above 8000 feet and rain below. Overnight mountain lows will be in the twenties and highs near freezing Wednesday. Ridgecrest winds will be southwesterly overnight at 20 to 25 m.p.h. then drop to light tomorrow. 4 to 5 inches of snow are expected by Wednesday afternoon at upper elevations. AVALANCHE HAZARD FORECAST FOR THE TETON, TOGWOTEE PASS, AND SOUTHWEST TRAILS AREAS: The General Avalanche Hazard at all elevations will remain at MODERATE overnight as little cooling combined with warming rain is expected. Rain soaked snow will be very hazardous in steep areas like ravines and road cuts Wednesday morning and highways may be affected. At Upper elevations the new snow may create pockets of soft slabs near ridges.