Tetons

The avalanche danger is Low today. Freezing temperatures overnight have stabilized a snowpack that was mostly wet. Wet snow may still be encountered depending on depth of freeze and daytime warming. Near 9,000ft and below on solar aspects, surface snow will soften due to direct sun and temperatures above freezing. Pay close attention to the rate of warming as loose wet sluffs may be encountered on steep slopes. Even a small slide can have large consequences in committing terrain. Above 9,000ft, steep, cold aspects may harbor dry persistent weak layers. Though triggering these layers has become unlikely, it does not mean there is no danger. The weak snow may be buried up to two feet deep, so carefully assess these layers before committing to a slope. Below 9,000ft the persistent weak layers have been heavily influenced by warm temperatures and free water. Triggering this layer is very unlikely. Though the danger is Low, do not get complacent, travel one at a time in avalanche terrain, and ensure your safe zones are truly safe.

Temperatures will drop into the twenties near 9,000ft and cloud cover will increase as the next system moves in tonight. Tomorrow expect snow showers over the high peaks with light rain in the valleys. This system favors the Tetons and north with two to four inches possible by the end of the day. Winds will be from the southwest at 15-20mph. Temperatures at 8,000ft-9,000ft will rise into the thirties. Freezing temperatures overnight will once again stabilize the wet snow. The incoming system holds little moisture, and the accumulated snowfall should not impact the overall stability of the snowpack. With the possibility of valley rain, pay close attention to the surface snow. If the rain line begins to creep upwards in elevation the snowpack will lose cohesion quickly. Below 8,000ft wet snow may be encountered but triggering an avalanche will be unlikely. Above 8,000ft snow surfaces will likely not warm enough to create a wet avalanche problem. Tomorrow the avalanche danger will be Low but may increase at lower elevations reliant on the rain line and warm temperatures. Persistent weak layers buried one to three feet deep on northerly aspects above 9,000ft still exist though the likelihood of triggering is very low. No activity has been observed or reported on these layers since the warmup on March 26/27th. With a cooling temperature trend these layers have gained strength.