Tetons

Three to five inches of new snow overnight accompanied by light to moderate, westerly to southwesterly winds has likely formed areas of small wind slabs, up to 18 inches in-depth, and the potential for loose snow sluffing. Skiers and riders could encounter these hazards at the upper elevations on steep avalanche terrain. These small slides could become very dangerous if triggered in serious terrain, like steep couloirs, over cliffs, and above terrain traps. Backcountry travelers should monitor today’s snowfall and wind-loading, especially along high ridges, for areas where small surface slabs may be forming.

The low-pressure system is expected to linger in the area until Friday evening. Tomorrow skies will start out mostly cloudy in the morning and the cloud cover should decrease throughout the day. There may be periods of light snowfall with little to no accumulation. Light winds will veer toward the northwest overnight and then increase to 10 to 15 miles per hour in the afternoon. Mountain temperatures will start in the low teens and then warm into the 20s. The general avalanche hazard is expected to be Low in all the forecast areas, and then the daily warming may increase the hazard to Moderate in the Teton forecast area. The avalanche hazard is limited to the surface snow, which lies over a good sliding surface of melt-freeze crusts. Even when the avalanche hazard is Low, a person could trigger a small pocket of slab avalanche or loose snow slides in steep avalanche terrain. On slopes with consequences, these small slides could have severe outcomes. As temperatures warm and during periods of sunshine, the surface snow will become more reactive to triggers. Backcountry travelers should monitor the daily warming and avoid steep terrain as snow surfaces transition from dry to wet.